The Ark Citadel, Bukhara (must see)
The Ark Citadel is a magnificent fortress with a history dating back to the 5th century AD. It served as both a military stronghold and a town, housing the royal courts that ruled over the surrounding region. While the Ark was a formidable fortress, it eventually succumbed to Russian forces in 1920 and is now a popular tourist destination, featuring museums that showcase its rich history.
The Ark houses various museums and restored areas that offer insights into its past. The archaeological museum presents artifacts and discoveries from the site, allowing visitors to delve into the ancient history of Bukhara. The throne room provides a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the ruling elites, while the reception and coronation court reflect the grandeur of ceremonial events that took place within the fortress. The local history museum sheds light on the cultural heritage of Bukhara and its significance in the region. Additionally, the court mosque stands as a testament to the religious practices that were central to the daily lives of the fortress inhabitants.
Built upon earlier structures, the Ark Citadel has layers of history buried deep beneath its foundations, indicating the presence of previous fortresses that were constructed and destroyed on the same site. The earliest reference to the Ark can be found in Narshakhi's "History of Bukhara," written between the 9th and 10th centuries. Legend attributes the creation of the Ark to the heroic figure Siyavusha, who built a palace within the boundaries of a bull's skin鈥攁n impossible task according to the ruler of Afrosiaba. However, Siyavusha ingeniously connected the ends of the bull's skin, allowing him to fulfill the condition and marry the ruler's daughter.
The Ark Citadel faced significant damage during the Russian Civil War, particularly during the Battle of Bukhara in 1920. Red Army troops, commanded by Mikhail Frunze, heavily bombarded the Ark, leaving a substantial portion of the fortress in ruins. Additionally, there is speculation that the last Emir, Mohammed Alim Khan, ordered the destruction of the Ark to prevent its sacred places, particularly the harem, from being desecrated by the Bolsheviks. These events have left their mark on the structure, but its historical and architectural significance remains intact.
Today, visitors can explore the Ark Citadel and immerse themselves in the storied past of Bukhara. The fortress stands as a symbol of the region's rich history and offers a glimpse into the lives of those who once resided within its walls.
The Ark houses various museums and restored areas that offer insights into its past. The archaeological museum presents artifacts and discoveries from the site, allowing visitors to delve into the ancient history of Bukhara. The throne room provides a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the ruling elites, while the reception and coronation court reflect the grandeur of ceremonial events that took place within the fortress. The local history museum sheds light on the cultural heritage of Bukhara and its significance in the region. Additionally, the court mosque stands as a testament to the religious practices that were central to the daily lives of the fortress inhabitants.
Built upon earlier structures, the Ark Citadel has layers of history buried deep beneath its foundations, indicating the presence of previous fortresses that were constructed and destroyed on the same site. The earliest reference to the Ark can be found in Narshakhi's "History of Bukhara," written between the 9th and 10th centuries. Legend attributes the creation of the Ark to the heroic figure Siyavusha, who built a palace within the boundaries of a bull's skin鈥攁n impossible task according to the ruler of Afrosiaba. However, Siyavusha ingeniously connected the ends of the bull's skin, allowing him to fulfill the condition and marry the ruler's daughter.
The Ark Citadel faced significant damage during the Russian Civil War, particularly during the Battle of Bukhara in 1920. Red Army troops, commanded by Mikhail Frunze, heavily bombarded the Ark, leaving a substantial portion of the fortress in ruins. Additionally, there is speculation that the last Emir, Mohammed Alim Khan, ordered the destruction of the Ark to prevent its sacred places, particularly the harem, from being desecrated by the Bolsheviks. These events have left their mark on the structure, but its historical and architectural significance remains intact.
Today, visitors can explore the Ark Citadel and immerse themselves in the storied past of Bukhara. The fortress stands as a symbol of the region's rich history and offers a glimpse into the lives of those who once resided within its walls.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Bukhara. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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The Ark Citadel on Map
Sight Name: The Ark Citadel
Sight Location: Bukhara, Uzbekistan (See walking tours in Bukhara)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Bukhara, Uzbekistan (See walking tours in Bukhara)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Bukhara, Uzbekistan
Create Your Own Walk in Bukhara
Creating your own self-guided walk in Bukhara is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Bukhara Introduction Walking Tour
Alexander the Great reportedly stated that "a carpet from Bukhara is worth a kingdom!" One and a half millennia after him, Ibn Battuta, a 14th-century Moroccan traveler, described this splendid city as "a meeting place of the nations and a market of the world."
Centuries on, the pearl of modern-day Uzbekistan, Bukhara, is still very much the place capable of leaving a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Centuries on, the pearl of modern-day Uzbekistan, Bukhara, is still very much the place capable of leaving a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Bukhara Shopping Tour
Bukhara, 鈥渁 jewel of the Silk Road鈥�, has been a commercial city since ancient times. Shopping here can still be a memorable experience for those keen to immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of Central Asian trade.
Bazaars are the heartbeats of Bukhara. Historically, these domed venues were located at crossroads, to facilitate passing commerce, and dealt in a variety of goods. There,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.6 Km or 0.4 Miles
Bazaars are the heartbeats of Bukhara. Historically, these domed venues were located at crossroads, to facilitate passing commerce, and dealt in a variety of goods. There,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.6 Km or 0.4 Miles