Most visitors to Bukhara spend their time around the Ark of Bukhara or some of the better-known attractions around The Old Town. However, a short walk away, the old city quietens down, and you find a building that looks like it escaped from a fairy tale: Chor Minor Madrasah.
TABLE CONTENTS: CHOR MINOR AND THE SOVIET-ERA MARKET
What is Chor Minor?
Chor Minor, also known as the Madrasah of Khalif Niyaz-kul, means ‘four minarets’ although the towers aren’t minarets in the usual sense. The building was completed in 1807 by Khalif Niyazkul, a wealthy Turkmen merchant, as the gatehouse of a madrasah that no longer stands. Its four blue-domed towers are all different, with different patterns and decoration. Local explanations vary. Some say the towers represent four religions or four directions, and nobody seems certain, which is part of the charm.
Chor Minor is small, and you can see it in 20 minutes. When I visited in August 2026, I could not enter the building and just enjoyed browsing the various souvenir vendors around the building. Chor Minor is worth visiting, if only to see another one of the popular attractions in Bukhara. Chor Minor is just 15 minutes’ walk from Mercure Bukhara Old Town where I stayed while visiting Bukhara.
The Soviet-era ‘Flea Market’
After visiting Chor Minor, I made my way across the small street to the fascinating market selling Russian and Soviet-era relics. I found the small flea market more interesting than Chor Minor, but the two attractions together were a great way to start my day.
The market is not a big or well arranged, which is what makes it fun to browse. Here you will find statues of former Soviet leaders, passports of Russian citizens, a collection of Soviet wristwatches, Russian military medals and coins and a large collection of forgotten military items. You are bound to find something to add to your Uzbekistan souvenirs. Bargaining is expected and is part of the enjoyment of visiting.
After your visit to both attractions, grab a coffee and a light snack at the Soviet-era market before continuing your travels around Bukhara.
Is Chor Minor and the Soviet-era Flea Market Worth Visiting?
Chor Minor is one of Bukhara’s most photogenic sights, and the Soviet-era market gives you a more personal souvenir than the usual souvenir shops that you will find around Bukhara. It’s an easy, inexpensive stop, and it shows a quieter side of the city. Make sure to include these spots when planning your itinerary for Bukhara.
Find Chor Minor on Google Maps. You cannot miss the Soviet-era flea market just across the small street.
Where to Stay in Bukhara?
Staying inside The Bukhara Old City makes this itinerary effortless, since you can walk everywhere. Boutique guesthouses in restored courtyard houses are the classic choice.
When I was in Bukhara, I stayed at the Mercure Bukhara Old Town, a lovely hotel within 10 minutes’ walk of the Old Town.
Otherwise consider other accommodation options in Bukhara by using the search box below.
After visiting Chor Minor and the Russian souvenir market, consider a visit to the Bukhara Dungeon, very close to the Ark of Bukhara. At the end of a busy day exploring the sites of Bukhara, consider visiting one of the Best Restaurants in Bukhara’s Old Town.
Consider reading other posts on Uzbekistan by Two Passports Packed.
(Visited in August 2026)