Burana Tower

Burana Tower

Burana Tower is a minaret built in 10 century. There was a flourishing city on the Great Silk Road - Balasagun. Many traders used to come here with camels loaded with different goods; At the very center of this town there is a tower 24 meters high. The original height was 45 meters but in the result of an earthquake one upper part fell down. The tower was used a lot by people. It was a beacon for travelers and traders, watching tower for sentry and tower to call faithful to pray. After the earthquake in 15 century people left the city in a hurry and left most of their things as they believe that this nature phenomenon predicts great disaster for people. Our archeologists found many artifacts during the excavation of 1920s, 1950s and 1970s here. Now you can see some of them in a local museum. The other part of finds was brought to Russian in Soviet time. The houses in the city were made of clay and melt because of time. Now it is possible to distinguish only the tower and a hill nearby that is considered to be khan's palace.

Also you will see the collection of Balbals or Stone Warriors. In the 7 century people carved them for honored dead warriors. They were found in regions of Kyrgyzstan and taken to this place in order to keep them for history.

Not far from there are ancient petrogliphs - stone paintings. Some of them date back to 8 century B.C. They also were taken to the Balasagun city to be presented for tourists and travelers.

 

Program:

9.00 a.m.     Meeting with your guide.

10:30 a.m.   Arrival in Burana tower where you will be told the history of this ancient city  

                   and its open air museum including of balbals and petroglyphes.

12.30 p.m.   Return to Bishkek.