ARK QO‘RG‘ONI

The Ark of Bukhara is an ancient and magnificent fortress located in the city of Bukhara, Uzbekistan. It is considered one of the oldest architectural and archaeological monuments in the city. Rising approximately 20 meters above the surrounding area and covering about 4 hectares, the Ark represents the oldest part of Bukhara, formed upon centuries of accumulated cultural layers. Towering above Registan Square in the past, it symbolized greatness, power, and invincibility. A large leather whip, once a symbol of authority in the Emirate of Bukhara, was displayed on one of its walls.

History

The Ark was originally built in the 1st century BCE. Before the Arab conquest, it served as the residence of the rulers of Bukhara, known as the Bukharkhudats. During the Samanid period (9th–10th centuries), the fortress was rebuilt and strengthened with defensive walls and towers. In the Karakhanid period (11th–12th centuries) and during the Mongol invasion of the 13th century, the Ark was repeatedly destroyed. Its present appearance was largely formed during the rule of the Shaybanid dynasty in the 16th century.

Archaeological excavations conducted in 1990 uncovered the foundations of a khanqah that had served as the Emir’s guesthouse, residential cells, courtyard platforms, sanitary facilities, heating structures, and ice storage rooms. Evidence of a sophisticated bathhouse system, underground networks, and facilities for preserving ice was also discovered. In preparation for Bukhara’s 2,500th anniversary, extensive restoration work was carried out within the Ark. The G‘uriyon Gate was reconstructed, and the fortress walls were reinforced. Today, the Ark houses the Bukhara State Architectural and Art Museum-Reserve.

Architecture

The Ark has a polygonal layout and stands on a high artificial hill. Throughout its history, its walls were built and reinforced using stone, baked brick, mud brick, and rammed earth. Entry to the fortress is through the monumental western gate. The decorative towers flanking the entrance portal and the three-story structure between them have been well preserved. A long corridor leading into the fortress contains numerous niches, some of which provide access to various rooms.

The Ark once contained a palace mosque, stables, guard quarters, workshops, armories, and many other structures. The palace mosque, built in the late eighteenth century, is decorated with Qur’anic inscriptions and elegant ornamental designs. The ceiling of its iwan features intricate geometric girih patterns. The Childukhtaron Mausoleum survives in the northeastern part of the fortress, while the Battol Ghazi Khanqah and the remains of an ancient bathhouse can be found in the southwestern section.