Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa Palace

The existing Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa Palace was constructed between 1912 and 1918 by order of the last Emir of Bukhara, Mir Sayyd Muhammad Alim Khan. The construction involved the finest Bukhara craftsmen of the time, along with two Russian engineers, Margulis and Sakovitch.

The main building of the palace comprises several reception halls and the emir’s private quarters. Special attention was given to the White Hall, decorated by the renowned master usto Shirin Muradov, who was later honored with a monument on the palace grounds. The White Hall is adorned with ganch (a type of plaster) laid on walls covered with mirrors. Remarkably, none of the patterns are repeated. The palace boasts an abundance of mirrors, including Venetian mirrors, Japanese mirrors set in ornate frames, and even trellis mirrors that create reflections repeated 40 times.

In addition to the main building, the summer palace includes a tea room, a small minaret, and a guest house, all richly decorated with gold braid. Each area of the palace has its own stories and legends, making it a place where one could spend hours exploring and learning.

In 1927, shortly after the fall of the Emirate of Bukhara, the palace was transformed into a museum. Its exhibitions have changed periodically over the years. Today, it houses the Museum of Arts and Crafts, featuring palace furniture from the 19th and 20th centuries, jewelry and gold-embroidered items made by Bukhara artisans, and objets d’art from Russian and Japanese porcelain dating from the 14th to the 20th centuries.

Over the past century, Bukhara has expanded significantly, and the Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa Palace is now located just 4 kilometers from the city’s outskirts. The residence of the last Emir of Bukhara, where peacocks still strut about as they did a hundred years ago, welcomes visitors with reflections of its former magnificence, as though still ready to receive royalty and foreign dignitaries.

Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply a curious traveler, the Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa Palace offers a unique and enriching experience. Be sure to include this remarkable site in your travel itinerary to fully appreciate the timeless beauty and historical significance of this enchanting palace.