Lab-i Hauz, Bukhara (must see)

The Lab-i Hauz Ensemble (Persian: لب حوض, meaning by the pond) is a 16th – 17th Century pond complex that is one of only a few remaining sites of its kind in the city. Before the Soviet era there were many such ponds, which were the city's principal source of water. However, they were notorious for spreading disease and were mostly filled in during the 1920s and 1930s. This complex survived because it is the centerpiece of a magnificent architectural ensemble, which has not been significantly changed since its construction. Surrounding the pond on three sides are the Kukeldash Madrasa (1568–1569), the largest in the city, a khanaka (1620), or lodging-house for itinerant Sufis, and another madrasa (1622).