The Chor Bakr necropolis, nicknamed "the city of the dead," stretches across the village of Sumitan, approximately 7 km southwest of Bukhara. The site houses the tomb of Abou-Bakr Saïd, a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad's lineage and founder of the Djouïbar dynasty, around which developed an architectural complex of mausoleums, mosque, madrasa and khanaka.

Why visit the Chor Bakr necropolis

Chor Bakr brings together two dimensions rarely found in the same place: a funerary complex of the Djouïbar dynasty, whose construction methods echo those of the Shahi Zinda necropolis in Samarkand, and an active pilgrimage site. An ancient belief holds that whoever manages to visit the four tombs of the saints named Bakr will see their wish fulfilled.

The site's interest also lies in its distinctive architecture: the khaziras, walled funerary courtyards with a single ornate gateway, rarely found in this form in other memorial complexes in Uzbekistan. Visitors discover a quieter, less crowded place than the emblematic complexes of Bukhara's old city.

A history reaching back to the Samanids

The necropolis's origins trace back to the Samanid dynasty. The first tomb honors Abou-Bakr Saïd, a major figure in Bukhara's political and spiritual life and founder of the Djouïbar lineage. Over the centuries, tombs of other high-ranking dignitaries from this dynasty were added, gradually forming a vast field of mausoleums and dakhma-tombs, giving rise to the nickname "city of the dead."

Toward the end of the 16th century, Bukhara's governor Abdoullah-khan ordered the construction of a mosque, madrasa and khanaka (pilgrims' inn) at the heart of the necropolis to honor the Djouïbar dynasty. The complex became a frequented place of prayer and ceremony.

During the Soviet period, religious visits to the site were forbidden. After this period ended, Chor Bakr gradually regained its status as an Islamic pilgrimage destination.

What to see on the site

The khaziras

The khazira is Chor Bakr's most characteristic architectural element: a walled funerary courtyard, accessible through a single ornate gate. The most important is the Djouïbar Saïd khazira, located in the northwest section, reached by a long corridor. Other notable khaziras are found in the eastern section, facing the mosque and khanaka, separated by a small pond.

The mosque, madrasa and khanaka

The complex built under Abdoullah-khan structures the center of the complex. The mosque and khanaka frame the pilgrimage space, while the madrasa reflects the site's function in religious education.

The minaret

In the early 20th century, a small minaret was added. Its form echoes, on a reduced scale, that of Bukhara's famous Kalyan minaret.

The Chor-Bog garden

North of the necropolis extends the Chor-Bog garden, landscaped from the 16th century onward. It features sycamores, willows, poplars and several fruit-bearing trees, offering a shaded space prized in the warmer seasons.

In total, the complex comprises around thirty architectural elements, whose construction methods show a clear kinship with those of the Shahi Zinda necropolis in Samarkand.

Practical information

• Duration: allow approximately 1 to 1.5 hours to explore the entire complex and garden.
• Entrance: moderate fee; photography permits sometimes available for an additional charge.
• Dress code: the site remains an active pilgrimage place. Wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees; a headscarf is appreciated for women inside the mosque.
• Behavior: silence is required near tombs; do not walk between people at prayer.

How to get there

The necropolis is located about 7 km southwest of central Bukhara, in the village of Sumitan. The most straightforward option is a taxi from the old city, either for a direct ride or round-trip with waiting time. Journeys are short, approximately 15 to 20 minutes depending on traffic. Some drivers readily combine the visit with other nearby sites.

Nearby attractions

Chor Bakr forms part of Uzbekistan's network of major memorial sites. In Bukhara itself, the visit is usefully extended with the mausoleum of Muhammad al-Bukhari, another major figure in local Islam. To compare funerary architectures, the Gur-Emir mausoleum in Samarkand and the Islam Khodja minaret in Khiva offer two interesting counterpoints. Buddhist archaeology enthusiasts will venture to the Fayaz Tepa monastery in the country's south.

Frequently asked questions

Include Chor Bakr in your itinerary

The necropolis works well as a half-day excursion combined with other sites around Bukhara. To integrate this stop into an Uzbekistan tour, consult our Uzbekistan tours and build with us an itinerary blending Silk Road cities with less-frequented memorial sites.