Doors of Bukhara
A catalogue of the historic carved doors of the old city
Bukhara is traditionally called the “city of twelve gates”. Humanity’s need for doors is not merely a desire to hide something from prying eyes, but a genuine passion for discovery. Every door leads somewhere, and behind each one lies a secret of its own, though by no means will every door open to the first passerby. In old Bukhara homes, it was customary to face windows exclusively toward the inner courtyard, leaving only blank walls to the outside world. Within this architectural tradition, the door became the true face of the house: at times sternly shut against unwelcome intrusions, and at times radiant with a welcoming smile for invited guests.
