Ark Of Bukhara
Nestled in the ancient city of Bukhara, Uzbekistan is an impressive monument known as the Ark of Bukhara. Built in the 5th century CE, this structure towers over the city and has three distinct parts – a fortress, suburbs, and madina. It is one of the most impressive monuments in all of Central Asia.
In this article, we will take a look at what makes the Ark of Bukhara so special and why it is worth visiting if you ever find yourself in Uzbekistan. You will learn about its history, architecture, and culture–all while taking in some breathtaking views!
Ark of Bukhara: Brief Introduction
The Ark of Bukhara is a massive fortress in the center of Bukhara, Uzbekistan. It served as the residence of the rulers of Bukhara for many centuries and was also a site of great importance in the region.
The Ark Fortress in Bukhara spans an area of about 3.96 hectares and is surrounded by a moat that was once used to defend the fortress from invaders. The Ark spans a length of 789.6 meters and a height of 16-20 meters. Its walls are up to 6 meters thick in some places. The fortification consists of an inner and outer wall, with numerous towers and watchtowers dotted along its length.
The Ark has many different buildings and structures, including a mosque, a palace, administrative buildings, and even a prison. Today, the Ark is open to the public as a museum. Visitors can explore its rooms and courtyards and see firsthand how the Bukharan Emirate once operated.
History of the Ark Fortress Bukhara
The history of the Ark of Bukhara, Uzbekistan, is a long and storied one. This ancient fortress has been a symbol of power and strength for centuries and has been the site of many important historical events. The Ark was first built in the 5th century BC and has been rebuilt and expanded numerous times over the centuries. It was once the seat of government for the Emirate of Bukhara and later served as a military fortress.
The Ark has never been successfully attacked or captured despite its size and defensive nature. It withstood a three-year siege by Genghis Khan in 1220 and was even used as a refuge by Tamerlane when he sacked Bukhara in 1370. The Ark continued to play an important role into the 20th century, serving as a palace and government headquarters under Soviet rule.
Visitors to the Ark can explore its many towers and courtyards, see firsthand how this imposing structure once defended the city against invaders, and learn about its long and rich history.
Construction of the Ark Fortress Bukhara
The Ark of Bukhara's design used astrological elements in several different ways. For instance, the palace includes seven stone pillars representing the constellation Ursa Major's seven stars. The constellation also had an impact on the overall design of the Ark. The geography and nearby tombs had an impact on the citadel's foundations as well.
A distinctive characteristic of Bukhara is its wide variety of tombs. Single graves in city structures and unique tombs were set aside for notable individuals. The Ark Fortress is separated into three parts by its layout: the citadel, the madina, and the suburbs. All significant structures, including mosques and government buildings, were located inside the citadel.
The Ark of Bukhara's mosques were constructed from raw and baked bricks, wood, cotton, and clay. The mosques' interiors were lined with ornate baked bricks. Arslankhan, the first mosque, was constructed in 1119. It was expanded and renovated by the kings Kohandiz and Sharhristan throughout its 349-year existence.
The exterior walls of the Ark are up to 6 meters thick in some places and are studded with towers. There are many defensive features within the walls, including secret tunnels and trapdoors. The interior of the Ark contains a maze-like layout designed to confuse and repel invaders.
The Ark of Bukhara's walls housed the kings, amirs, and generals. The suburbs outside the ark were home to numerous settlements. Ultimately, the Canpirak wall was constructed to safeguard the inhabitants of those settlements and add to the citadel's defenses.
The Ark was once home to a large population, including soldiers, courtiers, servants, and slaves. Today it houses several museums and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Bukhara.
What to See at the Ark of Bukhara
The Ark of Bukhara is a massive fortress located in the city of Bukhara, Uzbekistan. The Ark served as the home of the rulers of Bukhara for centuries, and today it houses a museum that is open to the public from 9 AM to 6 PM.
The Ark is a large rectangular structure made up of several buildings, including a palace, a mosque, and a prison. The Ark is surrounded by a moat and has high walls that make it look like a giant fort.
Inside the Ark, you can see some of the old rooms that the rulers of Bukhara used. You can also see how they lived and what their lifestyle was like. There is also a museum inside the Ark that displays artifacts from Bukhara's history.
If you are interested in learning about Bukhara's history or seeing some of its incredible architecture, then you should visit the Ark of Bukhara in Uzbekistan.
How to Get to the Ark of Bukhara
The Bukhara Ark Fortress is located in the city of Bukhara in Uzbekistan. You can take a taxi or bus from the airport or the railway station to get there. The Ark is located in the center of the city, so it is easy to find. The best time to visit the Ark of Bukhara is in the morning or the evening when the sun is not so strong.
Conclusion
Visiting the Ark of Bukhara is a must-do for anyone in Uzbekistan. It is a great way to get an insight into the country's history and culture, as well as being one of the most impressive monuments in Central Asia. Although it is quite large, it can be explored relatively easily due to its many different chambers and stories within them. The Ark has been standing strong for centuries and hopefully will continue to do so for many more years to come.

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