Ark of Bukhara
Buxoro
Bukhara Prison, located in the ancient city of Bukhara, Uzbekistan, was constructed in the late 18th century during the reign of the Mangit dynasty. It functioned as one of the largest prisons of the Bukhara Emirate, serving as a detention center for various criminals, rebels, and political prisoners. Architecturally, it is a solid adobe structure reinforced with buttresses, enclosed by a thick wall. The prison is divided into two parts: the upper prison, known as "zindon-i bolo," which contained several rooms for prisoners and was the site of public flogging, and the lower prison, "zindon-i poyon," a deep pit used to disgrace high-ranking prisoners. The complex also includes buildings such as the prison guard's quarters, tax collectors' rooms, and cells for those condemned to death. After the fall of the monarchy and the establishment of the Bukhara People's Soviet Republic, the prison was closed and later transformed into the Museum of Legal and Judicial History of Bukhara. Today, it stands as a significant cultural and historical site, recognized as part of Uzbekistan's UNESCO World Heritage. The prison's courtyard and structures reflect various historical periods, offering visitors insight into the penal practices and architecture of the Bukhara Emirate.
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Astuce: Visitors are advised to check the official museum website or contact the site for current opening hours and guided tours. The best time to visit is during cooler months to avoid the intense summer heat. Purchasing tickets in advance can help avoid queues. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups. Photography might be restricted in some areas, so inquire beforehand.
Faits intéressants
- •The prison was divided into two parts: an upper section for general prisoners and a deep pit for disgraced high-ranking officials.
- •Public flogging was a common punishment in the upper prison, conducted twice monthly.
- •The deep pit prison was about 5 meters in diameter and 6.5 meters deep, with food lowered to prisoners by ropes.
- •Bukhara Prison is part of the UNESCO World Heritage List as a component of Uzbekistan's cultural heritage.
- •Scenes for a film about the Uzbek intellectual Behbudiy were shot in the prison in 2020.
Histoire
Bukhara Prison was built in the second half of the 18th century under the Mangit dynasty as a fortified detention center for the Bukhara Emirate.
It operated throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, witnessing various political upheavals.
Following the Bukhara Revolution and the collapse of the monarchy, the prison was closed with the formation of the Bukhara People's Soviet Republic.
Over time, it was repurposed as a museum dedicated to the legal and judicial history of the region, preserving its historical significance.
Guide du lieu
Upper Prison (Zindon-i Bolo)18th century
This section contained several rooms where prisoners were held. It was also the site of public flogging, where prisoners were chained and punished barefoot twice a month, reflecting the harsh penal practices of the time.
Lower Prison (Zindon-i Poyon)18th century
A deep pit approximately 5 meters wide and 6.5 meters deep, surrounded by a high wall with battlements. This pit was used to imprison high-ranking officials who had fallen from favor, with food lowered by ropes.
Prison Guard's Quarters and Ancillary BuildingsVarious periods
The courtyard contains various adobe buildings from different historical periods, including rooms for tax collectors, debtors, and cells for those condemned to death, illustrating the complex's multifunctional role.
Contact
Téléphone: 65 224 17 29