Ark Fortress (Bukhara State Museum-Reserve)📜 History & Heritage

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2/25/2026

Ark Fortress (Bukhara State Museum-Reserve)

Ark Fortress is an ancient ruler’s palace and defensive structure located in the center of Bukhara.

The fortress was first built in pre-Christian times, and its present appearance mainly dates back to the 16th century. Ark served as the political and administrative center of the Emirate of Bukhara. It housed the ruler’s residence, a mosque, and other important buildings. The fortress walls are high and solid, providing protection for the city. Such rulers as Amir Nasrullah, Abdullah Khan II, and Alim Khan lived in the Ark.

Today, the Ark functions as a museum and is open to visitors. It is one of the most ancient and significant historical monuments of Uzbekistan.

Address: Bukhara city, Abu Havs Kabir Street.

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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