The Ark of Bukhara (Ark Citadel) This ‘city within a city’ houses centuries of Bukharan history, and is one of the city’s most iconic structures. This spectacular fortress is the oldest structure in Bukhara, dating all the way back to the 5th century. Since then, it was inhabited by various peoples up until the invasion of the Red Army in 1920. Prior to the invasion, the Ark was inhabited by over 3,000 people. It was mainly known as the residences for the Bukharan emirs, but also housed appointed officials, poets and scholars. With royal palaces, government offices, stables and libraries the Ark of Bukhara truly functioned as a city within a city.At the top of the entrance ramp is the 17th-century Juma (Friday) Mosque, with some beautiful stalactite carved column heads. Next are the former living quarters of the emir’s kushbegi (prime minister), where foreign ambassadors were received and now houses exhibits on the nearby archaeological sites of Paikend, Varakhsha and Romitan, once important Silk Road trading centres.
Second on the left is the oldest surviving part of the Ark, the vast Reception and Coronation Court, whose roof fell in during the 1920 bombardment. The last coronation to take place here was Alim Khan’s in 1910. The submerged chamber on the right wall was the treasury and mint, and behind this was the harem.
To the right of the corridor were the open-air royal stables and the noghorahona – a room for drums and musical instruments used during public spectacles in the square below.
Around the Salamhona (Protocol Court) at the end of the corridor are what remain of the royal apartments. These apparently fell into such disrepair that the last two emirs preferred full-time residence at the summer palace. The most interesting displays here cover Bukhara’s history from the Shaybanids to the tsars. Displays include a huge whip attributed to the mythical hero Rustam, the padlock that used to secure the Ark gates and a case used to make petitions to the emir. Another room contains the emir’s throne as well as portraits of the ill-fated British officers Stoddart and Conolly, who were eventually executed in front of the fortress on Registan Sq. This place has its own beautiful history. According to legend, Siyavush, a young youth, wanted to marry the daughter of the ruler of Afrosiab. Afrosiab said that he would give his beloved daughter in marriage if the young man had the strength to build a fortress on a bull’s hide, to which the young man agreed. A smart guy made a carpet out of skin, on which he erected an incredible citadel. At the moment, Ark is the oldest archaeological monument. It takes your breath away just to look at it.
This place has its own beautiful history. According to legend, Siyavush, a young youth, wanted to marry the daughter of the ruler of Afrosiab. Afrosiab said that he would give his beloved daughter in marriage if the young man had the strength to build a fortress on a bull’s hide, to which the young man agreed. A smart guy made a carpet out of skin, on which he erected an incredible citadel. At the moment, Ark is the oldest archaeological monument. It takes your breath away just to look at it.
