| The time of construction of this monument is thought to be the beginning of the 1st millennium A.D., but it is entirely possible that some sort of fort or temple stood on this site even earlier. From the most ancient times the Ark was the fortified residence of the rulers of Bukhara. Everything could be found there - palaces, temples, barracks, offices, the mint, warehouses, workshops, stables, an arsenal, and even a prison. The overall area of the fortress with all palaces, buildings, and fortifications is 34,675 square meters. Before there were two gates, at present time, only the western gate restored in 1921-1923, remains.
During the history of existence of Bukhara, the Ark was repeatedly destroyed, but it was invariably restored by the new ruler. In the 16 century under the Sheibanids, the citadel was restored to the form in which it has come down to us. All the buildings on the territory of the Ark were built for the most part from the 17th to the 20th centuries. |
