[Central Asia Five Countries Trip Part 33: Night Tour of Kalyan Minaret in Bukhara, Uzbekistan

[Central Asia Five Countries Trip Part 33: Night Tour of Bukhara, Uzbekistan — The Time Secrets of Kalyan Minaret and Kalyan Mosque] At the end of September this year, I set foot on the land of Uzbekistan, a Central Asian country rich in history. The Kalyan Minaret and Kalyan Mosque in Bukhara are undoubtedly the brightest jewels among them. When night falls and the lights come on, I entered this ancient and mysterious area to start a dialogue with history. Standing under the Kalyan Minaret and looking up, this building, completed in 1127, has withstood nearly nine centuries of wind and rain and still stands tall. It is 46 meters high and was the tallest building in Central Asia at the time. "Kalyan" means "great" in Tajik, a well-deserved name. The minaret is made of brick and stone, with 14 decorative bands distributed along its body. Each band has a unique pattern, and the simple geometric designs create a plain yet stunning beauty. The 16 arched windows at the top, illuminated by lights, resemble time windows leading deep into history, telling stories of the past. It is said that this was once a lighthouse for Silk Road merchants, guiding caravans through long nights; in the 16th and 17th centuries, it also served as an execution site, witnessing many cruel moments in history, earning it the nickname "Tower of Death." When Genghis Khan saw it, he was also shocked and ordered it to be preserved, allowing it to survive the wars. However, in 1920, it was shelled by order of Frunze, leaving some scars that can still be seen today upon close inspection. Next to the minaret is the Kalyan Mosque. Built in 1514, it can accommodate ten thousand worshippers and is the largest mosque in Bukhara. However, the interior feels somewhat empty now because it was used as a warehouse during the Soviet era and is currently under renovation. Even so, its former glory cannot be hidden. Together with the Kalyan Minaret, it has witnessed Bukhara’s rise and fall, where multi-ethnic cultures blend and converge. Islamic art and traditional craftsmanship combine perfectly here, making it a treasure in the architectural history of Central Asia. At night, the Kalyan Minaret and Kalyan Mosque are quieter and more solemn than during the day. Soft lights fall on the ancient bricks and stones, outlining the buildings more clearly. The textures worn by time seem to tell stories of past prosperity and vicissitudes. Walking around, I seemed to see ancient Muslims praying devoutly here, hear the call to prayer echoing from the minaret in the air, and imagine the joy and relief of Silk Road caravans upon seeing this lighthouse-like structure. That night, I was immersed in the historical atmosphere of the Kalyan Minaret and Kalyan Mosque. They are not just buildings but living history, symbols of Bukhara’s medieval civilization, carrying countless stories and memories, giving me a deeper understanding and feeling of this land’s past. As I left, I looked back repeatedly, full of reluctance, looking forward to the next reunion to explore more secrets buried by time.