LyabiHauz

Lyabi-Hauz is a historic pool and public square in the center of Bukhara, Uzbekistan. The pool was created in the 16th century as part of urban development during the Shaybanid dynasty and has since served as the social and cultural heart of the city. The name Lyabi-Hauz derives from Persian, roughly describing the area “around the pool.”

The pool is defined by brick embankments and is bordered by a tree-lined promenade. Around the water stand three architectural ensembles that give the site its distinctive character. On one side is the Kukeldash Madrasa, a 16th-century educational complex. Across from it lies the Nadir Divan-Beghi Madrasa, built in 1622–23, which is noted for its ornamental façade. Adjacent to these is a khanqah, a Sufi lodge, functioning as part of the broader religious and social landscape surrounding the pool.

Historically, Lyabi-Hauz has been a focal point for commerce, worship, and social gatherings. In contemporary times it remains a popular gathering place, with cafés and teahouses lining the water’s edge and providing a social atmosphere for both locals and visitors. The site is part of the Historic Centre of Bukhara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflecting its cultural and historical significance within the city’s ancient core.

Preservation efforts have aimed at maintaining the integrity of the brickwork, water features, and surrounding structures while accommodating modern tourism. Today, Lyabi-Hauz continues to function as a symbolic and everyday center of urban life in Bukhara.