Bukhara Tower — Attraction in Bukhara City

Shukhov Tower: An Engineering Marvel in the Heart of Bukhara.

Among the many attractions of Bukhara, the Shukhov Tower stands out as a unique historical and architectural landmark. Located in the heart of the city, directly opposite the famous Ark fortress, this water tower was built in 1929 following the innovative system developed by Soviet engineer, inventor, and scientist Vladimir Shukhov.

Shukhov's pioneering work led to the construction of over 200 structures, including power lines, lighthouses, and other engineering feats. However, his most iconic contribution in Uzbekistan is undoubtedly the Bukhara tower. It served for decades as the city’s main water supply system until 1975, when a fire destroyed its wooden cladding.

The tower’s construction is particularly noteworthy. Metal strips descend from the foundation’s support ring to the ground without any traditional supports, creating a structure that resembles a lattice of interlinked blocks. This design not only ensures the tower’s stability but also gives it a striking lightness, enabling it to withstand strong winds.

Today, the Shukhov Tower has been restored and repurposed as a tourist attraction. Its first and second floors house cafes and a restaurant, while the third floor offers visitors a breathtaking panoramic view of Bukhara’s...

The Bukhara Tower—often overshadowed by more famous landmarks like the Ark or Kalon Minaret—is an average sight in terms of visual appeal, but it carries an interesting layer of historical context that gives it some depth. Architecturally, it’s fairly simple and doesn't stand out much, especially when compared to Bukhara’s grand mosques and madrasas.

What makes it notable, however, is its place in more recent history. This tower is linked to the period when Soviet forces entered Bukhara in the early 20th century, marking a significant turning point in the city's political and cultural landscape. If you appreciate history, especially from the Soviet era, you’ll find the site more meaningful than it initially appears.

The surroundings are actually the highlight. Located near more atmospheric parts of the old city, it’s worth passing by as part of a longer walk through Bukhara’s mix of eras—from Silk Road grandeur to 20th-century...

The Bukhara Tower, also known as the Shukhov Tower, is a metal hyperboloid structure originally built in 1927-1929 based on designs by the engineer V.G. Shukhov. It's located in the historical centre of Bukhara, on the Registan city square opposite the Bukhara arch. Initially serving as a water tower, its original functions were lost after a fire in 1968, which led to it becoming ownerless for a period. However, in the 1990s, it was refurbished with an elevator and converted into a restaurant, although this ceased operation once the elevator failed.

In 2018, with French investment, the tower found a new purpose and reopened in March 2019 as the Bukhara Tower. It now features a glass elevator, a paid observation deck offering panoramic views of Bukhara and...