Poi-Kalyan Complex

The Poi-Kalyan Complex stands as Bukhara's most recognizable landmark and spiritual heart, featuring the magnificent Kalyan Minaret that has dominated the city's skyline for nearly 900 years. This grandiose historical ensemble in the center of Bukhara includes the towering 46-meter Kalyan Minaret, the Kalyan Mosque, and the Miri-Arab Madrasah. The name "Poi-Kalyan" translates to "The Foot of the Great," honoring the Great Kalyan Minaret, which is the most ancient and largest minaret in Central Asia.

Built by the skillful architect Usto Bako in 1127, the minaret features a spiral staircase of 104 steps leading to the lantern at its peak. From this towering height, the call to prayer (adhan) resonated across the city every Friday for centuries. The complex represents the pinnacle of medieval Islamic architecture in Central Asia, with intricate geometric patterns, stunning tilework, and masterful brickwork that has withstood the test of time. The ensemble creates a harmonious "kosh" - a unique 16th-century Central Asian architectural layout that combines mosque and madrasah to create a sense of divine majesty.