Andijan Fortress — Historical Defense Monument📜 History & Heritage

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2/6/2026

Andijan Fortress — Historical Defense Monument

Andijan Fortress is one of the oldest defensive structures in the city, located in the Dukchi Eshon neighborhood. It was built between 1878–1881 for the Russian Imperial Army to protect the city and house troops.

Throughout its history, the fortress played an important role in the national liberation movements, the 1917 revolution, the Soviet period, and World War II events.

Architectural structure:
The fortress occupies 1.5–4.5 hectares and includes barracks, an armory, stables, and a guardhouse. The walls are 10 m high and 4–5 m thick, constructed from sturdy bricks and clay. The entrance gate is made of wood and features shooting holes.

Cultural significance:
Today, the fortress symbolizes the historical heritage of Andijan and functions as a branch of the Literature and Art Museum. It is a remarkable site for visitors to explore the city’s historical strategy and defense system.

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Kuhna Ark Palace

📜 History & Heritage

Kuhna Ark Palace

Kuhna Ark Palace

Kuhna Ark Palace is the ancient citadel of Khiva and one of the khan’s residences located within Ichan-Qala. The history of the fortress is closely connected with the history of the city of Khiva itself. Some historical sources indicate that the construction of the fortress and the city began at the same time. However, today only several buildings dating back to the 19th century have been preserved within the Ark territory.

The Ark once housed the residences of the khan and officials, as well as state institutions. It also included a reception hall (Salomkhona, Arzkhona), a mint, summer and winter mosques, a harem, an arsenal, a gunpowder workshop, storehouses, a kitchen, stables, a prison, and even a special arena for ram fighting.

The term “Kuhna Ark” (Old Fortress) began to be used after another palace, Tosh-Hovli, was built in the city between 1832 and 1838. In its structure and layout, the Ark resembles a city within a city. One side is bordered by the walls of Ichan-Qala, while the other sides are enclosed by special defensive walls. The Ark can be accessed only through one entrance — the eastern gate.

Its territory covers more than one hectare and has a rectangular shape (123 × 93 meters), surrounded by high, thick defensive walls. Kuhna Ark consists of four courtyards of different sizes.

In the western part of Kuhna Ark stands the Aq Shaykh Bobo pavilion, which, according to legend, was associated with Sheikh Mukhtar Vali, who lived in the 14th century. It is said that an elderly man dressed in white once lived there, which is why the hill became known as Aq Shaykh Bobo. In fact, this hill served as an observation point of the khan’s palace, offering a clear view of the surrounding city.

Address: Khiva city, “Ichan-Qala” neighborhood, A. Boltayev Street.

February 27, 2026