Varahsha city
The palace of the local rulers (Khunuk-Khudats)
in the old city of Varahsha within the Bukhara oasis
gives us a good idea of the appearance of rich houses
in Bukhara. This palace still existed and was inhabited
at the time of the Samanids. It was a part of the
citadel placed on an artificial stylobat (foundation)
some 15 m high. Principal elements of this palace
were a yard with an entrance arch which rested upon
two pillars, several big halls, a number of rooms
of less importance, and corridors. In pre-lslamic
times people said that «the beauty of the palace
was well known». The palace owes much of its
reputation to the decor, remains of which have been
unearthed by archaeologists.
Murals, carved gypsum, carved wood columns, and ceilings
were organically interlaced with the architecture
of this building. Paintings in the Varahsha palace
were diversified in subjects. They tell epic Soghdian
plots; mounted heroes on elephants fight with attacking
cheetahs. A scene in the palace shows the throne of
the ruler resting upon the figures of winged camels
(it is interesting that ancient Chinese records speak
of the Bukha-ran rulers having thrones such as this).
There are also images of a ruler with his wife and
young son near a sacred fire.
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