Ark of Bukhara — Attraction in Bukhara City

The Ark of Bukhara is a massive fortress located in the city of Bukhara, Uzbekistan that was initially built and occupied around the 5th century AD. In addition to being a military structure, the Ark encompassed what was essentially a town that, during much of the fortress' history, was inhabited by the various royal courts that held sway over the region surrounding Bukhara. The Ark was used as a fortress until it fell to Russia in 1920. Currently, the Ark is a tourist attraction and houses museums covering its history. The Ark is a large earthen fortification located in the northwestern part of contemporary Bukhara. In layout it resembles a modified rectangle, a little elongated from the west to the east. The perimeter of the external walls is 789.6 metres (2,591 ft), the area enclosed being 3.96 hectares (9.8 acres). The height of the walls varies from 16 to 20 metres (52 to 66 ft). The ceremonial entrance into the citadel is architecturally framed by two 18th-century towers. The upper parts of the towers are connected by a gallery, rooms, and terraces. A gradually rising ramp leads through a winch-raised portal and a covered long corridor to the mosque of Dzhuma. The covered corridor offers access to storerooms and prison cells. In the center of the Ark is located a large complex of buildings, one of the best preserved being the mosque of Ul'dukhtaron, which is connected to legends of forty girls tortured and cast into a well. The Ark is built on the remains of earlier structures, which constitute a layer twenty meters deep under the base arch, the layers indicating that previous fortresses had been built and destroyed on the site.

The first known reference to the Ark is contained in the "History of Bukhara" by Narshakhi (899 - 960). Abubakra wrote "Bindu, the ruler of Bukhara, built this fortress, but it soon was destroyed. Many times it was constructed, many times destroyed." Abubakra says that when the last ruler to rebuild asked counsel of his wise men, they advised him to construct the fortress around seven points, located in the same relation to each other as the stars of the constellation Ursa Major. Thus built, the fortress was never again destroyed. In legend, the creator of the Ark was the epic hero Siyavusha. As a youth, he hid in the rich oasis country of Turana from his stepmother. Siyavusha and the daughter of the local ruler of Afrosiaba fell in love. The girl's father agreed to permit them to marry provided that Siyavusha would first build a palace on the area bounded by a bull skin, obviously intended as an impossible task. But Siyavusha cut the bull skin into slender strips, connected the ends, and inside this boundary built the palace. (This is essentially the classical legend of Dido and the founding of Carthage in North Africa, as recorded...

Finally we got to the highlight, for me at least! The Ark of Bukhara, fortress of the Emirs for around 1500 years, although during that time it was damaged and rebuilt many times. The final conquest by the Russians in the 1920s resulted in the almost total destruction of the fortress and very little original work is left today. The restoration has focused on a couple of internal rooms and the walls either side of the entrance ramp - if you go further round the walls are reduced to just a pile of mud. This doesn't in anyway distract from the awesomeness of the building and how impressive it must have looked in its heyday. We went inside the fortress and there are a few small museums, some with lovely 19th and early 20th century photos of the old city and some of the Emirs, the last one dying in Afghanistan in 1947 after the Russians took over Bukhara in 1920. There was also the coronation room, where the Emir would meet foreign dignitaries although this was completely destroyed so it has now been partially restored. It does give an idea of the splendour and wealth of the Emirs, if you use some imagination. There is also a walk into the archeological area, basically all the internal areas they haven't restored and a walk along the restored section of the walls. There is one small badly damaged mosque to see and that's about it, the rest is rubble. The views from the walls are good but it's best to go mid afternoon as otherwise you'll be photographing straight in to the sun. I probably spent as long outside the ark, walking up and down the router of the ramparts, as I did inside and an hour is more...

The Ark of Bukhara is a fascinating historical landmark and a must-visit for anyone exploring the rich heritage of Uzbekistan. This ancient fortress, once the residence of Bukhara’s rulers, is an architectural marvel steeped in history, dating back to the 5th century.

Upon arrival, visitors go through a security check, and bags are inspected before entering. While this may feel slightly inconvenient, it’s reassuring to know the site is well-maintained and secure. Once inside, you’re greeted by the imposing walls of the fortress and a glimpse into the grandeur of the past.

One unique feature I found interesting was the presence of camels at the site, adding a touch of authenticity to the Silk Road experience. These gentle creatures are a great photo opportunity and a reminder of the historic trade routes that once passed through Bukhara.

Inside the Ark, there are several museums showcasing artifacts, including ancient manuscripts, coins, and weaponry, giving a deeper understanding of the region’s history. The view from the top of the fortress is breathtaking, offering panoramic vistas of the city.

The Ark of Bukhara is more than just a historical site; it’s a journey into the past, where you can imagine the bustling life within its walls centuries ago. Whether you’re a history buff or just curious about Uzbekistan’s rich culture, this iconic landmark should not be missed. The combination of history, architecture, and atmosphere makes it a highlight of any...