Relive the atmosphere of ancient Silk Road caravans by visiting the caravanserais of Uzbekistan.

History of caravanserais

Caravanserais, also called "Khan", were fortified inns created along ancient caravan routes. Merchants, herders, pilgrims and other travelers stopped there to rest, receive care, make repairs or shelter from bad weather or bandit attacks. They were cosmopolitan spaces where multiple languages were spoken. Everyone was welcome, regardless of their origin or religion. Travelers could stay for several days before returning to the road. According to historians, caravanserais emerged in the 9th century with the growth of Islam and the development of trade. In Central Asia, including Uzbekistan, their construction extended over more than ten centuries.

Discovering the caravanserais of Uzbekistan

Few Uzbek caravanserais have survived the ravages of time. Here are the rare sites where you can still find remains of these historic crossroads.

The Rabati Malik caravanserai in Bukhara

The Rabati Malik caravanserai, or "the prince's caravanserai", is located on the M83 road leading from Samarkand to Bukhara. It sits just a few hundred meters from Navo'i Airport.

The monument was built around 1078 at the request of Karakhanid Shams-al-Mulk Nasr, son of Tamgachkhan Ibrahim who ruled Samarkand from 1068 to 1080 during the Karakhanids dynasty. According to archaeological excavations, walls standing 54 to 56 meters high surrounded the caravanserai. The entire complex formed a square structure of 8,777 m² with four towers at each corner.

The Rabati Malik caravanserai was destroyed during the Mongol conquests in 1220. Of the original monument, only the peshtak gateway remains today. It is one of the oldest and grandest portals in Central Asia. First admire the buttressed arch, then draw closer to observe the ornate perimeter decorated with Arabic inscriptions. Though partially restored, the Rabati Malik caravanserai peshtak has retained its authenticity. One of the complex's walls has also been reconstructed. While there, you can discover the Sardoba Rabati Malik underground water reservoir located directly across.

Functioning as an open-air museum, the Rabati Mali caravanserai has been awaiting its inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the "Culture" category since January 2008.

The Allakouli-khan caravanserai in Khiva

Located in Khiva, the Allakouli-khan caravanserai was established in 1833. On the surface, the complex resembles a madrasa. In the past, the site served simultaneously as an inn, warehouse and marketplace. Ground floor cells functioned as storage facilities, while first-floor cells served as residences.

The Allakouli-khan caravanserai was founded at a time when commercial relations between Khiva and Bukhara flourished. Allakouli-khan sought to create a comfortable complex where merchants could lodge, conduct business and simultaneously sell their goods.

The Beleuli caravanserai

Isolated in the Karakalpakstan desert, in northwestern Uzbekistan, the ruins of the Beleuli caravanserai stand like solitary sentinels at the heart of the steppe. Remarkably, the Beleuli caravanserai was built by the Mongols!

During its golden age in the medieval period, it was nonetheless a hub of intense commerce. Like other Uzbek caravanserais, the Beleuli complex was protected by great defensive walls. The ground floor of the main building contained stables and warehouses. Travelers resided in the first-floor apartments.

The estate spread around a large plaza bordered by market stalls and artisan workshops. There was also a soldiers' barracks. In the middle of the courtyard stood a gigantic watering trough the size of a hotel swimming pool. Of all this, only a pile of stones remains, with only the gateway arch still recognizable.

The Mirzoï caravanserai in Samarkand

The Mirzoï caravanserai once stood north of the Registan Square in Samarkand. Archaeologists indicate the estate comprised a spacious courtyard bordered by hudjras and warehouses. The main façade featured small corner towers. In 1646, the complex was demolished to make way for the Tilla-Kari madrasa. A large Friday mosque was subsequently built nearby.