In the eastern part of Bukhara there is an unusual monument. This is Chor Ц minor. Chor-minor means 'four minarets'. Essentially it serves as a part of large Madrassah, built by rich turkman Niyazkul. The Madrassah is demolished, but Chor - minor is on the square among dwelling houses. To the right of entrance inside there was written a Persian quatrain, pointing out the date of building Ц 1807. On the first floor in Chor - minor there is a hexahedral entrance vestibule, which has four-side opening embrasure; on the second one, there is a square guard lodging, from which you can get into four minarets with sky-blue domes. Bukhara is one of the most ancient cities of Uzbekistan. Bukhara city is supposed to be founded in the 13th century BC. The name of Bukhara originates from the word "vihara" which means "monastery" in Sanskrit. The city was once a large commercial center of the Great Silk Road; it was also a center of learning renowned throughout the Islamic world.