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On the way to Nurata we stopped somewhere along the road so as to briefly photograph the Malik Sardoba (water reservoir) and what is left of the Caravenserai Rabat-i-Malik built under the reign of the quarakhanide Shams-al-Mulk, which was no less than its portal dating back to 1078.
We had lunch at a villager's, where the main presented course (pilaf) impressed us as much as the movable washing basin. The attitude and the natural kindness of the lady of the welcoming family accounted for all the rest.
Located in the Navoi region , whose name stands for "fire-stone" or "father beam" is said to have been "born" many centuries ago after the fall of a meteorite, which upon impact gaveorigin to a spring believed to have healing properties. But the fact that it has turned into a pilgrimage place for religious people is also associated to the fact that it has the Chasma complex, one of the most important centres of Islam, which includes the Juma and Panjvatka mosques dating back to the sixteenth century, a bath house, the spring and the ruins of "Nur" fortress founded by Alexander the Great himself in IV BC.This latest considered of great interest for historians because of being one of the most ancient monuments of Uzbekistan.
According to a well known historian form Bukhara, Narshali, the fortress graveyard is where followers of the Prophet Muhammad who had seen him in person, were buried, making it even a holier area.
The reservoir of the holy fish.
The whole ensemble was very impressive, particularly when seen from a higher location, as I photographed it whilst some of us were making our way to the top of the hill. We stopped half way up to admire the view which was undeniably appeasing. On the ground several votive requests certainly left by the many pilgrims caught our attention and I once more wondered about the strength of one's religious faith and convictions and to which extent it does affect one's life ...
(To be continued)
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