Trading Domes

Trading Domes in Bukhara

Bukhara is renowned not only for its mosques, the Ark Fortress, and the majestic Kalyan Minaret but also for its historic trading domes. These domes stretch in a procession from Lyabi-Khauz to the Miri-Arab Madrasah. During the 16th century, under the Shaybanides dynasty, Bukhara became the capital, leading to unprecedented growth. Located on the Great Silk Road, the city’s markets and trading stores thrived, congesting the crossroads of public roads. Several centuries have passed, and four trading domes have survived to this day.

Toki-Sarrofon Trading Dome

Located near Lyabi-Khauz, the Toki-Sarrofon Trading Dome stands at a crossroads with small shops scattered around it. Historically, it was one of the largest currency exchanges in Central Asia, where merchants from India, China, and other countries exchanged money with money-changers known as sarrafs. The trading dome’s name originates from these money-changers. Today, visitors can buy carpets, kerchiefs, and other souvenirs here.

Telpak Furushon Trading Dome

A little to the north of Toki-Sarrofon is the large Telpak Furushon Trading Dome. This massive complex has a hexagonal orientation, with shops selling knives, jewelry, musical instruments, and various souvenirs under its spherical dome. Adjacent to it is a medieval blacksmith shop, where visitors can watch the process of manufacturing knives and other tools. Originally, the shops sold books, which is why the trading dome was called Kitab-Furushon (with «kitab» meaning «book» in Uzbek). Over time, the bookshops were replaced by shops trading headwear, and later by souvenir shops selling products made by local craftsmen.

Tim Abdullakhan Trading Dome

The Tim Abdullakhan Trading Dome differs significantly from its counterparts. It is located along a street rather than at a crossroads and is an indoor space that remains cool. Light enters the Tim Abdullakhan through small windows and apertures in the domes. For centuries, carpets and fabrics were sold here, and even today, visitors can buy variegated carpets, beautifully inwrought kerchiefs, or squares of Bukhara cloth.

Toki-Zargaron Trading Dome

The Toki-Zargaron Trading Dome is the largest of Bukhara’s trading domes. It is the northernmost dome, located near the Poi Kalyan. The Toki-Zargaron dome is elongated and strengthened with ribs, distinguishing it from the others. The name Zargaron is derived from the word «zargar,» which means «goldsmith.» Historically, 36 jeweler’s workshops were located here, selling various jewelry items. Toki-Zargaron was the first of Bukhara’s trading domes. Today, visitors can purchase jewelry, kerchiefs, and various household accessories such as Bukhara door-handles, bells, and horseshoes for luck.

The trading domes of Bukhara stand as a testament to the city’s rich history and its significance as a commercial hub on the Great Silk Road. These domes continue to attract visitors, offering a glimpse into the vibrant marketplace culture of Bukhara’s past.