Why is this dilapidated madrasa named after banknotes? You might be surprised to find out that the unassuming structure before us, the Xotam Hindu Madrasa, holds a story deeply intertwined with finances. This madrasa was not always known by this name. Originally called the Abduhafizboy Madrasa, it was built in 1910 during the reign of Abdulahad Khan. The benefactor, Abdumajid’s son Abduhafiz Bukhari, left his mark not only in bricks and mortar but also in the financial history of Bukhara. The name “Xotam Hindu” or “Xotam Hundi” crept in later, a reflection of the madrasa’s connection to the system of financial instruments called “hundis”. These hundis, similar to promissory notes, were commonly used in trade and financial transactions. While the exact link between the madrasa and hundis remains unclear, the name change suggests a fascinating story waiting to be unearthed. Perhaps the madrasa played a role in the hundi system, maybe as a place for safekeeping or even issuing these financial instruments. Despite its current state of disrepair, the Xotam Hindu Madrasa, once known as the Abduhafizboy Madrasa, stands as a silent witness to Bukhara’s vibrant past, a place where the worlds of education and finance may have once intersected.
Poyi Ostona Mosque
“Remarkable craftsmanship” whispered a fellow traveler. We stand before the Poyi Ostona Mosque in Bukhara. Its beauty is undeniable. This