The Kalyan Minaret（In Bukhara）

 

The Kalyan Minaret is the most famous architectural monument in Bukhara. It was completed in 1127, stands 46.5 meters tall, and is located next to the Great Mosque in the heart of the old district of Bukhara. It towers over the entire city of Bukhara, and its entrance can be seen from several kilometers away from Bukhara. There are many well - structured buildings around the minaret. The Great Mosque was built in the 16th century, and opposite the mosque is a madrasa called Mir - i - Arab. The minaret was originally used to call everyone to prayer loudly.

The minaret is made of fired bricks, with a foundation that is 16 meters deep and a plinth diameter of 9 meters. The huge conical shaft becomes a cylindrical pulpit at the top. The circular structure is at the top of the pillars, and the pulpit has 16 arched windows for light transmission, decorated with stalactite - like eaves. There is a narrow arched corridor at the top leading to a ladder. The corridor consists of 16 arches connected to the main building through light - transmitting arches, and the exterior of the corridor is built as two connected semi - cylindrical structures, supporting two arches. The body of the minaret is covered with brick decorative patterns. The body is divided into 14 decorative bands, each with clear patterns for decoration, and all the patterns are different. It is said that the architect, after making the foundation with gypsum and camel milk, disappeared and reappeared after two years when the foundation was solid. Then he started the bricklaying work. After his death, he was buried 45 meters away from the minaret. He had said if the tower fell, it would fall on his head.

Bukhara, where the minaret is located, is the only city that Genghis Khan condescended to enter in historical records. His army destroyed all surrounding buildings, but only showed mercy to this magnificent minaret.