Chorsu (Samarkand)

Chorsu (, and ), also called charsu, in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, is a domed, hexagonal building southeast of the Registan at the intersection of the roads connecting Samarkand, Tashkent, Bukhara, and Shahrisabz. "Chorsu" is a word of Persian origin meaning "crossroads," referring to this intersection.
History.
Chorsu was originally a bazaar constructed in the 15th century but was rebuilt in the 18th century, becoming a hat market. Today, the bazaar which was previously housed at Chorsu is now the Siyob Bazaar near the Bibi-Khanym Mosque.
In 2005, ownership of Chorsu was transferred to the Academy of Arts of Uzbekistan. While renovating the building, three meters of dirt were removed from the building revealing the original base construction. Chorsu now serves as an art gallery which houses the work of artists both contemporary and historical. The art of in the Chorsu gallery displays the culture, history, and diversity of the Uzbek people.