Lyabi-Hauz

Labi Hovuz

The city-center pool built in 1620 in the old town. Surrounded on three sides by a madrasa and a Sufi hostel, its tea terraces under mulberry trees are where locals relax and tourists eat pilaf.

Lyabi-Hauz (“by the pool”) is the center of old Bukhara. It is a rectangular stone pool built in 1620, measuring 46 by 36 metres, and surrounded by mulberry trees several centuries old. During the Soviet era, the city's other pools were filled in, and this is one of the few that survived. Three buildings stand around it. On the east side is the Nadir Divanbegi Khanaka (Sufi hostel, 1620). On the west side is the Nadir Divanbegi Madrasa (1622), whose front arch features two phoenixes carrying a white deer toward the sun, a symbol of Bukhara. Its courtyard now houses a handicraft market, and in summer, traditional costume shows and dinner performances take place in the evenings. On the north side is the Kukeldash Madrasa (1568), the largest madrasa in Bukhara. A bronze statue of Afandi (Hoja Nasreddin) riding a donkey stands at the water's edge and is the most popular photo spot in the city. Open-air teahouses and restaurants around the pool (such as Lyabi Hauz Restaurant and Old Bukhara) serve pilaf, grilled meat, and green tea. In the evening, local elders play chess and drink tea here, and there is music at night. Admission is free, and it's open all day. Nearby walking distances: a 5-minute walk east leads to the old Jewish quarter and synagogue (16th century, the center of Bukhara's Jewish community, open to visitors). A 10-minute walk southeast leads to the Char Minar. Walking north through three domed markets brings you to the Kalyan Minaret. Most old-town guesthouses are in this area. Come in the evening to eat and cool off. Plan 1–2 hours. Note that mosquitoes are plentiful in summer, and restaurants by the pool charge about 30% more than those outside the old town.

Lyabi-Hauz

Opening hours

Nearby sights

Places to eat nearby