Visitors to Bukhara often ask about her origins, the very first settlements in and around the city. Today we are fortunate to be able to deliver more than verbal explanations by proposing a half day or day trip to the archaeological site Paykent, where the historically interested through their own eyes and with some imagination gain an understanding of the ancient culture that prevailed here.
The foundations of Paykent go back to a citadel erected in the IX century BC. Its walls were 5m thick and excavations have revealed that more belt walls were added over time. Defense towers stood tall every 50m, the city was thought to be unconquerable. The fortress town was famous not only for its invincibility but for its womenfolk as well. While their men were out on military campaigns, on warfare, the women were in charge and known to manage with a strong hand.
Situated right along the emerging caravan route leading from China and India to Persia, Syria and beyond, Paykent flourished into an important trading post of Sogdiana in the VII century. Its citizens were reputed merchants and Paykent was referred to as "city of buyers". The wealth generated from buying and selling triggered demand for the finest in applied arts and architecture, thus the most skilled crafts masters able to satisfy the refined taste of her inhabitants settled in Paykent.
Coin minting, ceramics, murals, perfume flasks, jewelry, bronze and copper vessels, glass ware can now be admired in the new museum adjacent to the archaeological site.
Paykent was destroyed in 706 BC by the conquering Arabs and the nearby settlements slowly perished until in the IXX century the lack of water turned the last dwellers away.
The Mayor's office Hokimiat of Paykent together with the Museum Ark in Bukhara has plans to build an Open Air Museum complete with Caravansarai to accommodate scientists and visitors from all over the world and to establish an education and training center.
Every summer, the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg and the Institute of Oriental Studies in Rome conduct archaeological excavations so on your visit, you may be privileged to receive explanations by a world renowned authority on the subject of ancient civilizations along The Great Silk Road.