City Of Bazaars

3 ancient trading domes remain from the bartering days of the Silk Road

Whilst the horseback riding traveller trading from town-to-town has long disappeared from the streets of Uzbekistan, there’s a nostalgic spirit which remains as you wander the characterful bazaars and alleyways, where haggling for an antique rug, ceramic figurine or a kitsch magnet becomes second nature. This is where the romantic and historic legacy of the Silk Road continues today. Here in Bukhara, pass by stalls overflowing with delicately embroidered slippers, newly-fired decorative plates and even a corner just for oversized hats embellished with traditional motifs.

Exploring the atmospheric and ancient trading domes of Bukhara is an enlightening and at times lively experience. The three remaining, and renovated, structures are; Toqi Sarrofon Bazaar, originally the trading place for money changers (known in the region as sarraf), Toqi Telpak Furushon (originally for hat sellers) and Toqi Zargaron (for jewellers). 

Outside of the covered bazaars, around almost every corner, you’ll find smaller markets, standalone shops and even single blankets spread on the street. Here, pick up vintage trinkets, an aromatic pouch of spices, as well as the more high-end specialist carpets. In contrast with the great individual bazaars of Tashkent’s Chorsu, Bishkek’s Osh and Almaty’s Zelyony, Bukhara has an unrivalled collection of shopping options, no matter your preference.