The Nugai caravanseray

Bukhara is the center of medieval architecture, the special heyday of which occurred in the XVI century, during the reign of the Sheibanid dynasty. The rulers of this dynasty are known for their urban planning activities in the capital of their emirate, through which numerous caravans passed along the Great Silk Road. The stormy trade took place under six trading domes, however, the busiest of them was the dome of Toki Sarrafon. A large flow of traders, merchants and money changers led to the fact that Khan Mohammed Rakhimbiy, from the Sheibanid dynasty, decided to build a Nugai caravanserai near the Toki Sarrafon trading dome.

Caravanserais of the Middle Ages were prototypes of modern hotels, which served as a rest for merchants traveling with caravans of goods. Most often, in caravanserais, travelers were provided with only shelter and water, by the rest of facilities visitors of the caravanserais had to take care themselves. However, the Nugai caravanserai differed from other establishments of the same type in that it provided its visitors with a full range of services. 

Nugai is a square, one-story enclosed building, the entrance to which is through a gate. Rooms for visitors – large hujras are located around the perimeter of the building in the amount of 5 pieces. Also, there are rooms for servants around the perimeter. The capacity of the caravanserai was 40 people. 

In addition, Nugai was used as a large trading platform and as a fortress. 

To date, the Nugai caravanseray does not perform its direct function, however, it attracts many tourists from all over the world every year.

In the rooms of the hujr there are vendors of souvenirs and national clothes. Every year, the caravanserai is a venue for the trade festival “From silk to spices”, where every visitor can find something of his own in a wide range of products presented.

The Nugai Caravanseray is included in the List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.