East to West

(Subs: Translations of foreign language parts to English.)

Life on the plains is very hard

The climate is bad. Hunters and cattle breeders led a spartan way of life

They were forced to be tough warriors who had to fight to stay alive

Their war strategies were based on excellent horsemanship . . .

and mastery of the bow and arrow.

The open area here is ideal for Turkish war strategy

The small hills are ideal for their tactic of lying in ambush

and drawing the enemy towards them.

Like the steppes, this is land where they could easily move on horseback . . .

and apply their forces as they wished.

The Seljuck's arrows were deadly, even against Byzantine armor.

In 1127 the Kalon Minaret was erected by one of the Karakhanid rulers - Arslankhan

The minaret was built during the peak of the Islamic civilization

when Bukhara became the religious and cultural center of the Islamic world.

From the top of the minaret they could see all the trade caravans entering and leaving

So it was also a watchtower

But the main duty was for the Muezzin to call Muslims for prayer.

After invading Bukhara, Chingiz Khan, mounted on a horse comes directly inside . . .

the main building of the Arc and addresses the population, saying:

"I have been sent to you by God as a punishment for your sins and your bad deeds"

The population was forced out of the city and all homes were raided and looted

Holy places were dishonored

A huge amount of wealth was taken

When the 700 caves were surveyed

We only came across these decorations in this cave

comprising of an arch with two phoenix birds