Poi-Kalyan Ensemble

The Poi-Kalyan Ensemble is the main architectural complex in the center of Bukhara, strategically located at the intersection of the «four bazaars.» The name «Poi-Kalyan» translates to «the pedestal of the Great,» referring to the Kalyan Minaret. This ensemble comprises four significant monuments: the Kalyan Mosque, the Miri-Arab Madrasah, the Kalyan Minaret, and the smaller Amir-Allimkhan Madrasah situated to the south of the Miri-Arab Madrasah.

Kalyan Minaret

The Kalyan Minaret is a towering vertical pillar that rises majestically above the city. Historically, to call the faithful to prayer (azal), it was sufficient to ascend to the mosque roof, as was customary in the early centuries following the establishment of Islam. The term «minaret» is derived from «minor,» meaning a place where something is set on fire, akin to ancient multi-story towers like the Pharos Lighthouse, which stood 143 meters tall and dated back to 283 BC.

Minarets played a crucial role in architectural ensembles, contributing to the unique character of the city. In the early 12th century, Arslan-khan ordered the reconstruction of the old mosque’s minaret. However, after the construction was completed, the minaret collapsed, damaging two-thirds of it. Arslan-khan then commissioned the construction of a new minaret. An inscription in turquoise majolica beneath the light cornice of the Kalyan Minaret indicates that it was completed in 1127. The name «Arslan-khan» is inscribed on the midsection of the minaret, and the name of the master builder, Bano, is also found, with local inhabitants pointing out his burial place between nearby blockhouses.

The Kalyan Minaret exemplifies the characteristic Maveranahr style, featuring a round brick tower adorned with arched lights. The minaret’s lower diameter is 9 meters, tapering to 6 meters at the top, with a total height of 45.6 meters. Inside the minaret, a winding brick staircase ascends to the top. A sixteen-arched light rotunda crowns the minaret, supported by projecting rows decorated with a stalactite cornice.