Tim Abdullakhan
Step into Bukhara's Silk Road past at Tim Abdullakhan, a 16th-century trading dome with stunning architecture and a peaceful ambiance.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Tim Abdullakhan
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into Bukhara's Silk Road past at Tim Abdullakhan, a 16th-century trading dome with stunning architecture and a peaceful ambiance.
"A beautifully preserved trading dome, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of the old Silk Road."
🚶♀️ Easy to Access
Located centrally, it's a breeze to include in your Bukhara old city walking tour.
📸 Great for Photos
The architecture and light filtering through create beautiful photo opportunities.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Impressive Domed Architecture
Central dome
Marvel at the high, domed ceiling and intricate brickwork, a testament to Silk Road craftsmanship.
Historic Trading Niches
Interior walls
Explore the arched niches where merchants once displayed their precious silks and textiles.
Authentic Handicraft Shopping
Inside the dome
Browse unique handicrafts, souvenirs, and textiles sold by local artisans.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Silk Road Atmosphere
A Glimpse into Trading History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Easy to Access
Located centrally, it's a breeze to include in your Bukhara old city walking tour.
📸 Great for Photos
The architecture and light filtering through create beautiful photo opportunities.
💰 Small Entry Fee
A modest fee grants you access to this piece of history.
🛍️ Souvenir Shopping
Find unique textiles and local crafts, though some items cater to tourists.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Easy to Access
Located centrally, it's a breeze to include in your Bukhara old city walking tour.
📸 Great for Photos
The architecture and light filtering through create beautiful photo opportunities.
💰 Small Entry Fee
A modest fee grants you access to this piece of history.
🛍️ Souvenir Shopping
Find unique textiles and local crafts, though some items cater to tourists.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Tim Abdullakhan is praised for its impressive, well-preserved Silk Road architecture and its calm, uncrowded atmosphere, offering a peaceful glimpse into Bukhara's trading history. While some find the souvenir shops a bit commercial, its historical significance and photographic potential make it a worthwhile stop.
"Tim Abdullah Khan is a beautifully preserved trading dome in Bukhara that once served as a covered bazaar for silk and fabrics. The architecture is impressive, with its high domed ceiling, brickwork, and traditional arches that show the grandeur of the old Silk Road. Inside, you will find small shops selling handicrafts, souvenirs, and textiles. It is calm, clean, and not very crowded, which makes it enjoyable to walk around and take photos. The site has a small entry fee, and it is located close to other major attractions, so you can easily include it in your walking tour of the old city. A great place to experience Bukhara’s trading history and atmosphere."
Kaif Kamran
"A shopping mall. They made it comfortable and private to shop. Other interesting facts:
Built in 1577 by Abdullah Khan II—39 x 42 meters.
Central dome: 10 meters in diameter, high-domed octagonal core.
Held 56 shops in arched niches, sunlight filtering from above.
Constructed from bricks: 22 x 27 x 3.5 cm, walls once plastered.
Only survivor of Bukhara’s six domed markets on trade street.
Silks once locked in merchant chests under vaulted ceilings."
George Benaroya
"The Tim Abdulla Khan Trading Dome (Abdullaxon timi) is one of Bukhara’s several historic trading domes, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich Silk Road past. Architecturally, it’s beautiful—an impressive brick structure with high domed ceilings and cool passageways that were once bustling with merchants. It's a pleasant place to escape the heat and admire the craftsmanship of old Bukhara.
That said, compared to some of the other domes like Toki Zargaron or Toki Sarrafon, Abdullaxon timi feels a bit quieter and less lively. Many of the shops inside now cater mostly to tourists, with a focus on souvenirs, scarves, and jewelry. While some items are interesting, others feel more commercial and less authentic.
It’s still worth a quick stop while exploring the old city, especially if you enjoy historical architecture or browsing local crafts. But don’t expect a deeply immersive experience—it’s more of a casual walk-through. The dome itself is impressive, but the atmosphere inside can feel a bit average. If you’re nearby, definitely take a look, but it may not stand out as a highlight unless you're really into traditional markets or architecture."
V. Mui
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tim Abdullakhan is conveniently located in the heart of Bukhara's old city, making it easily accessible on foot as part of a walking tour. It's situated near other major historical sites, so you can simply wander through the ancient streets to find it.
While not a complex itself, Tim Abdullakhan is one of several historic trading domes in Bukhara and is often visited in conjunction with nearby madrasahs and mosques, forming a cohesive historical exploration.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is a small entry fee to access Tim Abdullakhan. It's a nominal charge that helps maintain this historic site.
Tim Abdullakhan generally follows the opening hours of the surrounding historical sites in Bukhara, typically open from morning until early evening. It's best to check locally for the most up-to-date times.
No, there is a small admission fee required to enter Tim Abdullakhan. This fee contributes to the preservation of the site.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside Tim Abdullakhan, you can admire the impressive domed architecture, explore the historic shop niches, and browse for local handicrafts and souvenirs. It's a peaceful place to soak in the atmosphere.
Compared to some other Bukhara attractions, Tim Abdullakhan is often described as calm and not very crowded, making it an enjoyable experience for visitors.
Absolutely! The unique architecture, the play of light through the dome, and the historic niches make Tim Abdullakhan a fantastic spot for photography.
The shops inside Tim Abdullakhan primarily sell handicrafts, souvenirs, and textiles such as scarves and jewelry. While some items are unique, others are more geared towards tourists.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
You can find a variety of local handicrafts, traditional textiles like silk scarves, and souvenirs within the shops at Tim Abdullakhan.
Tim Abdullakhan itself is a historic trading dome and does not typically have restaurants or cafes inside. However, numerous dining options are available in the surrounding old city of Bukhara.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there aren't specific child-focused activities, the open space inside allows for some freedom of movement. Encourage kids to spot the different shop niches and imagine what was sold there centuries ago. It's a great opportunity to introduce them to the Silk Road in a tangible way.
📸 Photographers
Experiment with wide-angle lenses to capture the scale of the dome and telephoto lenses to highlight details within the niches. The quiet atmosphere often found here allows for unhurried composition. Consider visiting during the 'golden hour' in the late afternoon for warm, soft light that enhances the historical ambiance.
🛍️ Shoppers & Souvenir Hunters
Take your time to explore the various stalls. Engaging with the local sellers can sometimes lead to discovering more special items. It's a pleasant environment to shop, away from the hustle of larger markets, and you're directly supporting local artisans.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Tim Abdullakhan
The design of the tim was practical for its time. The central dome allowed for ventilation and light to filter into the space, while the vaulted ceilings and arched niches provided secure storage for valuable goods. Imagine the bustling atmosphere, the vibrant colors of silks, and the lively bartering that once filled this space. Today, while the intense commercial activity has subsided, the architectural integrity and historical significance remain, allowing visitors to appreciate the ingenuity and artistry of its creators.
While the historical context is rich, it's worth noting that the experience inside has evolved. Many of the shops now cater to tourists, offering handicrafts and souvenirs. However, the fundamental experience of walking through this ancient trading hub, surrounded by its impressive brickwork and domed ceilings, provides a unique glimpse into Bukhara's storied history as a vital center of commerce on the Silk Road.
Architectural Significance and Preservation
As the sole surviving example of Bukhara's six historic trading domes, Tim Abdullakhan holds immense value for preservation efforts. Its enduring structure is a testament to the quality of 16th-century construction techniques. While the original plasterwork may have faded over centuries, the underlying brickwork remains a prominent feature, showcasing the craftsmanship of the era. The preservation of this site allows modern visitors to directly engage with the physical remnants of Silk Road commerce, offering an educational and visually striking experience.
Visitors often remark on the impressive nature of the brickwork and the overall atmosphere of the dome. The way light plays within the space, especially during certain times of the day, adds to its visual appeal. It's a place where the past feels palpable, allowing for a deeper appreciation of historical trade routes and the architectural solutions developed to facilitate them.
Social
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