Po-i-Kalyan complex, Bukhara
Po-i-Kalyan · Bukhara, Uzbekistan
The skyline of holy Bukhara: the Kalyan Minaret of 1127.
Know before you go
- The minaret's internal staircase is not open to visitors (follow notices on site), so don't climb the barriers
- couples should avoid displays of affection in religious places.
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Stories & people
Stories & people
Legend
The minaret that made Genghis Khan bow his head
The Kalyan Minaret was completed in 1127 by the Karakhanid ruler Arslan Khan. Legend says that about a century later, when Genghis Khan took Bukhara, he was so struck by the tower's grandeur that he ordered it alone spared amid the destruction all around. The tower also has an unsettling nickname, the 'Tower of Death' — until the early 20th century criminals were executed by being thrown from the top.
Source: Wikipedia: Kalyan Minaret
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
The Po-i-Kalyan complex is Bukhara's religious centre, made up of the Kalyan Minaret, the Kalyan Mosque and the Mir-i-Arab Madrasa. The minaret was built in 1127 by the Karakhanid ruler Arslan Khan; about 46 m high, its shaft has 14 bands of brick decoration, each different, and when completed it was the tallest building in Central Asia. Legend says that when Genghis Khan took Bukhara he was so awed by it that he ordered it spared. The Kalyan Mosque can hold more than ten thousand worshippers.
Local customs
The Mir-i-Arab Madrasa is still a religious school, with students coming and going at its gate — don't disturb or casually photograph them. On Fridays the mosque is crowded for congregational prayers, so non-Muslim visitors should check opening arrangements (follow notices on site).
Religion & beliefs
- The Kalyan Mosque is one of Bukhara's most important mosques. Remove your shoes to enter
- women must cover their hair, shoulders and knees
- don't walk around or talk loudly inside during prayer times.
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Rules that apply here
Uzbekistan: change money only at official outlets
- Change money at official exchange points, and get cash in big cities before heading to smaller places
- Changing money on the black market
Black-market currency exchange is illegal.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Uzbekistan travel advice
Uzbekistan: always carry your passport
- Carry your original passport at all times
- Leaving your passport at the hotel
The law requires you to carry it; police check often, and you may be fined or arrested if you don't.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Uzbekistan travel advice
Uzbekistan: check before you take photos
- Ask before taking photos near airports, border posts, military bases, bridges, police stations and metro stations
- Photographing government buildings
It may annoy the authorities; posting content on social media that disrespects the flag, food or customs can lead to fines or detention.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Uzbekistan travel advice
Don’t DON'T
- The minaret's internal staircase is not open to visitors (follow notices on site), so don't climb the barriers
- couples should avoid displays of affection in religious places.
Locals appreciate DO
- Bukharans think of themselves as people of the 'holy city' and like to linger in old-city teahouses
- local gold embroidery, paper cutting and Bukhara knives are well-known crafts.
Plan your visit
Practical info
Travel tips
After sunset the complex is floodlit and looks beautiful at night. The surrounding old city is mostly pedestrian, so wear comfortable shoes. Bukhara summers are scorching, so guard against the heat and drink plenty of water.
Eat nearby
What to eat nearby
Must-try
- Bukhara plov
- Tandir gosht (tandoor-roasted meat)
- Baked buns (samsa)
Bukhara plov, tandir gosht (lamb roasted in a tandoor), samsa, lagman, green tea with dried fruit and nuts
| Where to eat | Teahouses and restaurants around the Lyab-i Hauz pool in the old town, small places around the trading domes (toqi) |
|---|---|
| Dining etiquette | Halal food and tea etiquette; dress modestly and keep quiet at religious buildings |
| Typical price per person | UZS 60,000–110,000 ≈ CNY 33–61 |
| Tips | Lyab-i Hauz has the most atmosphere in the early evening, and seats are first come, first served; eat plov with achichuk (tomato and onion salad) to cut the richness. |
Prices are typical rates as of October 2026, not exact quotes; CNY equivalents are approximate where exchange rates fluctuate.
BeshevI · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photos
Photos
26D · CC BY-SA 4.0
Bgag · CC0
Ymblanter · CC BY-SA 4.0
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