Historically, the "Chorsu" market served as the city's center, combining both trade and social functions, while also connecting the four main districts of the old city. This explains its name—"Chorsu" in Persian can be translated as "four paths."
The famous, recognizable dome of Chorsu was designed by architect Vladimir Azimov and opened in the early 1990s. According to research by Boris Chukhovich, the designers were inspired by the market in Sidi-bell-Abbes, Algeria, built in 1955. Another source of inspiration for Azimov was the conical shapes of the market of Philip II in Barcelona. As Chukhovich notes, the architect likely reviewed photos of these markets, which were featured on a single page of the "Construction and Architecture of Uzbekistan" magazine.
Photos:
1-2 — Chorsu Market (archive)
2-3 — Market in Sidi-bell-Abbes, Algeria (archive)
4-5 — Market of Philip II in Barcelona, Spain (archive)