Toki-Sarrafon, Bukhara

Date:31.01.2023

Day: Tuesday

Historical place: Toqi Sarrafon

Location: Bukhara region

We went to Toqi Sarrafon which is trade dome of the money changers. We learned the history of this building with my groupmates and our teacher Aziza Abdullayevna.

The Toki Sarrofon is one of the famous Bukhara retail areas, built in the 16th century. During the reign of the Sheibanids, the ancient religious city of Bukhara acquires the status of the capital and is replenished with numerous trading floors, bazaars and shops, becoming the main center of trade. So, the most known trading platform combined some specialized market stalls, covered by the big domes.

One of them is the "Toki" (arch), Sarrophon, named after the local "money changers", which were known as "sarrafs". In this part of the bazaar they changed money and carried out various usurious operations. Once upon a time, this place was famous for the currency exchange, which collected numerous visiting merchants from different countries. Also there were various old books on sale in the bazaar, which merchants exchanged with local sellers.

Today, you can find various national souvenirs, painted utensils and hats under the famous dome. Ancient bazaar, like many years ago, is filled with buyers and tourists from different countries.

The Toki-Sarrafon is one of Bukhara’s four remained bazaars. This trading dome was used mostly for money exchange during the era of the Silk Road. Indian shop owners frequently exchanged money inside this bazaar. The site is no longer a money exchange center, but it now has lots of great shops where you can pick up interesting souvenirs.