Bukhara Museum of Water-Supply History, Bukhara

The Bukhara Museum of Water-Supply History, housed in the historically significant Chashma-i Ayub Mausoleum, provides a unique insight into the methods and technologies used for water supply in the Bukhara region from the 10th to the 20th century. This museum, located within the scenic confines of Samanids National Park, showcases an array of artifacts that include leather water skins (burdyuks), ceramic water pipes, and copper porcelain pieces predominantly from the 18th and 19th centuries.

The Chashma-i Ayub Mausoleum, where the museum is situated, was originally built under the orders of Amir Temur in 1379, although the foundational structure dates back to the reign of Arslankhan of the Karakhanid dynasty. It is one of the few structures in Bukhara that contemporaneously aligns with the famous constructions in Samarkand and Shahrisabz during the reign of Amir Temur. The mausoleum itself is an architectural marvel, standing as a testament to the historical intermingling of civic and sacred spaces, as it is built atop a revered healing spring.

According to local legend, the spring emerged miraculously when the biblical hero Ayub, responding to the prayers of the locals during a prolonged drought, struck the ground with his staff, causing a wellspring of pure, cool water to burst forth. This narrative enriches the visitor's experience, tying the historical exhibition on water supply directly to the mausoleum’s location and its spiritual significance.

Visitors to the museum are often intrigued by the unusual decision to preserve water-related expositions within a mausoleum. This architectural choice highlights the deep cultural and spiritual connections that the people of Bukhara have with water, a vital resource in the arid landscapes of Central Asia. The museum not only offers an educational journey through the evolution of water supply systems but also provides a profound reflection on the interdependence of human survival, technological advancement, and spiritual beliefs in the region.