Chashmai Ayub Mausoleum  (Museum of the History of Water Supply in Bukhara)📜 History & Heritage

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2/26/2026

Chashmai Ayub Mausoleum (Museum of the History of Water Supply in Bukhara)

This mausoleum (12th–16th centuries) is popularly believed to be the place where the Prophet Ayub (Job) miraculously brought forth a spring. According to legend, during a severe drought, the Prophet struck the ground with his staff, and a life-giving spring emerged.

Architecturally, the mausoleum is a domed structure distinguished by its unique conical dome built over a rectangular base. This architectural style is rare among other mausoleums in Uzbekistan.

Today, the site functions as the “Museum of the History of Water Supply in Bukhara.” The museum exhibits ancient and modern water systems, wells, sardobas (water reservoirs), and historical water storage technologies.

📍 Address: Pistashikanon Street, Bukhara city.

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Kuhna Ark Palace

📜 History & Heritage

Kuhna Ark Palace

Kuhna Ark Palace

Kuhna Ark Palace is the ancient citadel of Khiva and one of the khan’s residences located within Ichan-Qala. The history of the fortress is closely connected with the history of the city of Khiva itself. Some historical sources indicate that the construction of the fortress and the city began at the same time. However, today only several buildings dating back to the 19th century have been preserved within the Ark territory.

The Ark once housed the residences of the khan and officials, as well as state institutions. It also included a reception hall (Salomkhona, Arzkhona), a mint, summer and winter mosques, a harem, an arsenal, a gunpowder workshop, storehouses, a kitchen, stables, a prison, and even a special arena for ram fighting.

The term “Kuhna Ark” (Old Fortress) began to be used after another palace, Tosh-Hovli, was built in the city between 1832 and 1838. In its structure and layout, the Ark resembles a city within a city. One side is bordered by the walls of Ichan-Qala, while the other sides are enclosed by special defensive walls. The Ark can be accessed only through one entrance — the eastern gate.

Its territory covers more than one hectare and has a rectangular shape (123 × 93 meters), surrounded by high, thick defensive walls. Kuhna Ark consists of four courtyards of different sizes.

In the western part of Kuhna Ark stands the Aq Shaykh Bobo pavilion, which, according to legend, was associated with Sheikh Mukhtar Vali, who lived in the 14th century. It is said that an elderly man dressed in white once lived there, which is why the hill became known as Aq Shaykh Bobo. In fact, this hill served as an observation point of the khan’s palace, offering a clear view of the surrounding city.

Address: Khiva city, “Ichan-Qala” neighborhood, A. Boltayev Street.

February 27, 2026