Nugai Caravanserai

Bukhara oasis is extremely rich in sights, but a special place among them should still be given to the caravanserai called Nugai. This historical building is located in the heart of Bukhara, adjacent to the Merchant's House and the Toki Sarrafon building.

In the past, such caravanserais were quite common and played a huge role for merchant caravans and ordinary travelers. There, travelers had the opportunity to quench their thirst with hunger, as well as enjoy a full rest after a long journey. At their core, caravanserais are prototypes of the usual hotels. Although many of them did not even have dishes for food and bed linen. Therefore, travelers could expect to receive only life-giving water and decent shelter for the night, and to carry food and all necessary supplies with them. However, some caravanserais provided a wider range of services for travelers. This was exactly what Nugai was like, which hospitably offered its visitors all the necessary amenities.

It was made in the form of a one-story enclosed square with a single entrance through a huge gate. The deceptively small brick building could accommodate quite a large number of guests under its roof. Nugai had forty-five rooms for guests (hujras), as well as a number of rooms for servants. About 40 travelers could enjoy their vacation at the same time without experiencing any inconvenience.

This caravanserai served not only for the purpose of accommodating guests. There was also an active trade in various goods, which brought considerable income. Amazingly beautiful fabrics were brought here from India, so that later they could sew dressing gowns for visitors. In Nugai, anyone could buy textiles, souvenirs, various musical instruments, tea, and more.

Nowadays, this building has not lost its importance, although it no longer performs its direct functions. Hundreds of tourists from many countries come to this place every day, seeking to touch the ancient history of the mysterious East. It also hosts an annual festival called "From Silk to Spices", where visitors to the caravanserai can taste the best varieties of Uzbek wine. In simple days, Nugai is a trading house, presenting various jewelry, self-woven carpets and other works of local artisans.

Along with many other monuments of Bukhara's history, the caravanserai is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and is under full state protection. According to the government decree, Nugai will be completely reconstructed.