Ark of Bukhara

The fortress where rulers lived for 1,500 years

The Ark is a huge fortress in the very centre of Bukhara, with walls 20 metres high! Bukhara's rulers lived here for 1,500 years: a palace, a mosque, a mint, a prison — all inside. Legend says the Ark was built by the ancient hero Siyavush. The emirs of Bukhara lived here until 1920. Today the Ark is a museum, and from its top you can see the whole old city.

The Ark is Bukhara's ancient citadel, 3.96 ha on a 20 m artificial mound; cultural layers date from the 4th–5th centuries AD, and legend links it to Siyavush and Afrasiab (Narshakhi, 10th century). Seat of the Samanids (9th–10th centuries: Ismail Samani; Ibn Sina and Rudaki served at this court), the Karakhanids, Shaybanids, Ashtarkhanids and the Manghit dynasty (1785–1920). Destroyed by Genghis Khan in 1220 and rebuilt in the 16th century. Inside: the Friday mosque (18th century), the Kushbegi palace, the throne hall (Kurinishkhana), the mint and the dungeon (the 'Kanakhana', where the British officers Stoddart and Conolly were executed in 1842). Red Army bombardment in 1920 destroyed 80% of the citadel; the western gate and walls survive. UNESCO since 1993 (Historic Centre of Bukhara). Opposite stands the Bolo Hauz mosque (1712, 20 columns).

Fun facts

• Ibn Sina and Rudaki served at the Samanid court in the Ark.
• The Ark was continuously a seat of rulers for 1,500 years.
• The Ark's walls are 20 m high — like a 6-storey building.