Chor-Minor Madrasah, Bukhara

The Chor Minor Madrasah is a striking architectural gem in Bukhara, located in the city center not far from the Lyabi Hauz ensemble. With its thick walls and four stately minarets, it has graced a quiet street for over two centuries, reflecting the region’s rich history and cultural diversity.

History

The Chor Minor Madrasah was built in 1807 with funds provided by Khalif Niyazkul, a wealthy Bukhara merchant - or, according to another version, an imam. He set out to immortalize his name by commissioning a uniquely designed madrasah in the heart of the city.

It is said that Niyazkul hoped every visitor would understand that, regardless of cultural background, all people live under the same sky. The four minarets were meant to remind viewers of humanity’s equality before God. In this way, architecture and philosophy were united to convey a timeless message.

Architecture and Symbolism

The Chor Minor Madrasah stands out for its unconventional design, which differs from other madrasahs across Central Asia. Typically, religious schools were built on two levels with uniform student cells arranged around a central courtyard.

By contrast, Chor Minor breaks with traditional Islamic architectural norms, offering a structure rich in visual symbolism and layered meaning.

The four towers - “chor” meaning “four” and “minor” meaning “minaret” in Persian - are believed to represent the world’s major religions: Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, and Hinduism. Each minaret features unique decorative elements, drawing on a blend of cultural motifs. Another interpretation holds that the towers symbolize the four dynasties that shaped Bukhara’s golden age: the Samanids, Karakhanids, Shaybanids, and Mangyts. Their influence may be reflected in the diverse ornamentation of the towers.

To this day, the Chor Minor Madrasah remains one of Bukhara’s most iconic landmarks - a true masterpiece of architectural design.