Lyab-i Hauz: Reflections at the Heart of the City

Lyab-i Hauz is Bukhara’s gathering place, an oasis at heart of desert city. Its pond, framed by willows and mulberries, reflects domes, stars, and lamps by night. Surrounding it, madrasas and caravanserais form backdrop of arches and arcades. For centuries, this was center of social life. Merchants rested here, storytellers recited, musicians played, pilgrims paused. Today, rhythm continues. Families sip green tea in chaikhanas, children chase pigeons, old men play backgammon in shade. The architecture is beautiful — 17th-century madrasa with tiled façade, khanaka once used by Sufi dervishes, caravanserai turned into craft shops. Yet the magic lies in atmosphere. Evenings here glow softly — lanterns on water, laughter in air, music strumming. Lyab-i Hauz is heart still beating, living memory of Silk Road life.