Bukhara - Trading Dome Toqi Zargaron

The Trading Dome Toqi Zargaron in Bukhara – a masterpiece of architecture and trade

The Toqi Zargaron domed bazaar (also known as Taqi Zargaron in some sources) is the most extensive and architecturally impressive of Bukhara’s many bazaars. It is located to the north of the city’s other well-known domed bazaars and in the immediate vicinity of the famous Poi Kalon complex. This architectural masterpiece was built between 1569 and 1570 during the reign of Abdullah Khan II, a ruler of the Shaybanid dynasty.

The Toqi Zargaron domed bazaar was the first bazaar of its kind in Bukhara after the city was given the honourable title of capital of the great state and became an important point on the Great Silk Road. This development helped Bukhara to establish itself as one of the most important administrative, commercial and craft cities in Central Asia. The prosperity of the domed bazaars was significantly boosted by their central location and connection to important trade routes. Their construction not only made it possible to organise trade, but also helped to relieve the central roads, making movement within the city easier for residents and travellers alike. The Toqi Zargaron domed bazaar was built on the former site of the Chorsu – the intersection of shopping streets and bazaars. Together with other architectural monuments of Bukhara, the domed bazaar Toqi Zargaron was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the ‘Historical Centre of Bukhara’.

The term ‘Toqi’ refers to the domes of the covered bazaars, which were built at busy intersections. ‘Zargar’ means “jeweller”, which also gave the bazaar the name “Jeweller’s Dome Bazaar”.

The structure of the Toqi Zargaron domed bazaar follows the style typical of Persian architecture. The dome is very elongated and the vertical edges of the building protrude strikingly outwards. The central space under the dome is surrounded by shops and workshops of local traders and craftsmen. Smaller domes were built over galleries housing benches and workshops, which together with the main dome form a multi-domed roof over the rows of shops. These interconnected galleries under the vault are reminiscent of medieval corridors.

The diameter of the central dome is 14 metres and forms the heart of the building.

Ceramic bricks were used to build the bazaar, making the structure particularly robust and stable. The Toqi Zargaron domed bazaar is the most complex of the surviving covered bazaars in Bukhara in terms of construction and spatial layout. The interior is organised in such a way that it retains a pleasant coolness even on hot summer days. No decorative elements were used and the main priority was a functional and efficient layout of the rooms. The merchants’ shops stretched from the dome to the nearby Ulugbeg madrasah.

The interior of the bazaar was once a veritable jewellery paradise. There were a total of 36 workshops where craftsmen made traditional oriental jewellery. These ornate pieces of jewellery, including earrings, necklaces, rings and luxurious headdresses, were made directly in the bazaar and sold there. The characteristic earrings from Bukhara were large in diameter and hung with pendants decorated with precious stones and enamel. The production of the jewellery was a complex process involving different masters at different stages. The craft traditions were passed down from generation to generation, usually from father to son. It is believed that coins made of gold, silver and copper were also minted in this bazaar, including currency for the Emirate of Bukhara.

In addition to jewellery, candles and aromatic soaps were also traded in Toqi Zargaron, which enjoyed a particularly high status at the time. Carpet dealers, caravanserais for merchants and travellers and warehouses for storing goods were also located in the immediate vicinity of the bazaar.

Today, the Trading Dome Toqi Zargaron is one of Bukhara’s most popular attractions. Tourists come not only to experience the historical ambience, but also to buy unique jewellery and silverware made by local craftsmen. The bazaar also offers a variety of other products for sale: souvenirs, clothing, crockery, antiques, carpets, books, paintings and musical instruments. Travellers praise the acceptable prices at the bazaar in their reviews and, as in any traditional market, haggling and negotiating discounts is common here.

The Trading Dome Toqi Zargaron remains a living testimony to the history and culture of Bukhara and an important centre for art, trade and crafts in Central Asia.