Lady of Bukhara

This book is the history of the city of Bukhara and traces its story from legends to Islam. It then recounts what occurred during the first four centuries of the Islamic period there. Bukhara Khudat, the Lady, was the first and last woman to sit on the throne of Bukhara Khudat (the kingdom of Bukhara) during a difficult and tumultuous era. At the same time, she faced internal enemies and repeated invasions by Arab armies and, surprisingly, overcame both. According to her fellow townsman Narshakhi, “In her time, there was no one more decisive and perfectly judicious.” The story of Lady Bukhara Khudat and the “Song of Bukhara’s People,” which was spoken about her in the city, is a fascinating tale told in detail.