Burana Tower

The Burana Tower is a huge minaret in northern Kyrgyzstan's Chüy Valley. It is located around 80 kilometers east of Bishkek, near the town of Tokmok. The tower, along with burial markers, earthworks, the foundations of a castle, and three mausoleums, are all that remain of the ancient city of Balasagun, which was founded by the Karakhanids towards the end of the 9th century. The tower was constructed in the 11th century and served as a model for future minarets. Visitors can reach the top by an outdoor staircase and a steep, winding stairway inside the tower. It is one of Central Asia's oldest architectural structures and among the most beautiful historical sites in Kyrgyzstan.

Burana Tower was originally 45 meters (148 feet) tall. However, a succession of earthquakes over the years caused substantial damage to the structure. The top half of the tower was demolished by a large earthquake in the 15th century, lowering it to its current height of 25 m. (82 ft). In the 1970s, a refurbishment effort was carried out to rebuild its base and fix the tower's west-facing side, which was in risk of collapsing.

The entire site, including the mausoleums, castle foundations, and tomb markers, now serves as a museum, and there is a modest building on the property that houses historical information as well as objects discovered at the site and in the surrounding area.

Address: Balasagun, Kyrgyzstan