Bukhara is surrounded by the sacred resting places of seven great Sufi Masters, collectively known as the «Seven Pirs of Bukhara.» These revered figures, connected through a spiritual lineage known as «silsila,» are associated with the Khwajagan order, often referred to as the «Masters.» The legacy of these Sufi saints continues to draw pilgrims and visitors, intrigued by their contributions to Islamic mysticism and the cultural heritage of the region.
Throughout its history, Bukhara has been a crucial political and cultural hub, particularly in the context of Islamic civilization in Central Asia. The city is famously linked to Bahauddin Naqshbandi, the founder of the Naqshbandi Sufi order. This order played a significant role in the spiritual and cultural development of Bukhara, which is often celebrated as «Blessed Bukhara.» The city houses numerous «pirs» or shrines, marking the final resting places of these holy figures.
Sufism, the mystical branch of Islam, emphasizes asceticism, spiritual practice, and the inner purification of the soul. Originating around the 8th to 9th centuries, Sufism sought to address the spiritual needs of the Muslim community, encouraging a return to fundamental values and a rejection of materialism. The Naqshbandi order, one of the most influential in Uzbekistan, advocates for spiritual purity, voluntary poverty, and earning one’s livelihood through honest work.
Visit Caliph Uthman’s Quran
See Mausoleum of Imam al-Bukhari
Wander through Bukhara’s Old City
Tour Samarkand’s Registan Square
Experience Folklore Show in Bukhara