In times of Soviet regime, the Zindan in Bukhara symbolized the despotism of overthrown government. But in fact, the state itself, which accused the local rulers of despotism, had enormous number of prisoners. Zindan is an ancient prison, which could receive no more than 40 people, basically debtors and religio-ethical-rule-breakers. In compare with number of inhabitants of Bukhara, this quantity was laughable. That is evidence the low rate of crimes in Bukhara. One Islamic principle that is directly related to prisons is freedom. A fundamental rule says that freedom is an aim of the Law-Giver. A prison, therefore, could not be used to restrain people's freedoms unless it is judged that this freedom will cause the society substantial harm. Otherwise, every precaution should be taken before people's freedom is compromised by imprisonment.

On the roadside in the Malik Steppe, one can see the portal of the 12th century, which leads to the ruins of the fortress Rabat-i-Malik -"Prince's rabat". The word "rabat" means "castle", or "fortress". It refers to the fortified settlements and places of rest along caravan routes. During the heyday of the Silk Road, travelers and merchants gathered within the walls of this fortress on the road from Samarkand to Bukhara. The remainders of finishing - carved stucco, figured ornamental brickwork and unglazed carved ceramics - give food for reflection about the lost beauty.

Before the Arab conquest there was a bazaar close by the site of the Magak-i Attari Mosque (Magoki Attoron Mosque), i.e. the "Mosque in pit". It was a market for idols, potions and spices - attar (perfumes). Besides this, there, was formerly a Temple of the moon (Mokh) at this place. Abu Bakr Muhammad ibn al-Narshakhi of Bukhara, who had completed his book in 943 A.D. (A.H. 332), mentions the mosque, which was built on the site of former Mokh Temple. He used the name "magok", i.e. "in a pit", because even then half of it was concealed from view by the rising soil level. Hence, the mosque, perhaps, is one of the earliest religious buildings of Islamic era in Bukhara. Choice of place for the mosque also proves this assumption, because Arab conquerors built their sanctuaries first of all at the places of prostrated cults. In Bukhara, it had taken place at least once more; the very first cathedral mosque was built at the place of destroyed temple of fire-worshippers. There is opinion that the Kalyan Mosque was afterwards built exactly at that place.

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