The Ark Dolon

  Even in the distant past handicraft and trade were the main sources of state revenues. Trade and economic relations are constantly evolving. Along with the eastern bazaars and shops, caravan trade was most popular. Long caravans overcame long distances, carrying silks, jewelry, carpets, china, spices and other popular goods. An uneasy journey through the exhausting desert wore out the traders and their pack animals. They needed rest and lodging. Sayfiddin’s Caravanserai was considered a state-run and was a place of shelter mainly of rich merchants (bais) engaged in trade in gold, pearls, diamonds and other precious metals. According to that, we can say that in this caravanserai there was a good turnover, which reached about 5,000 rubles a day.

 The Nugai Caravanserai is an extremely interesting place for travelers who want to see Bukhara in all its glory. First, it should be noted that a caravanserai is a luxury kind of a hotel for caravanners. “Serai” is translated as “palace”, and such a name was worth the buildings. Traders had money, and entrepreneurial wealthy people built such hotels along the trade routes. One could spend a night there, left goods for deposit in a warehouse, exchange money and even sell something, have some rest after a long journey and enjoy a good supper in a teahouse, talking with fellow merchants — all of those things were an integral part of the place The Nugai Caravanserai was notable for its ability to provide travelers with everything they needed. At all times of a day, the place was full of life; the trade in Chinese fabrics, silk and spices was always brisk. Merchants brought there souvenirs from Iran, India and China, as well as local goods and various ethnic musical instruments. Many varie