Description of the attraction
The Ark Citadel is a massive structure in Bukhara, which can be called a city within a city. In ancient times, about 3 thousand people lived and worked within the citadel: the ruler and his family, officials, craftsmen, servants, etc. The Ark fortress is considered the oldest building in Bukhara. According to legend, it was built by the hero of myths Siyavush, who, in order to win the favor of the father of his chosen one, agreed to fulfill his strange condition: to build a majestic palace on a plot that will be occupied by the skin of a bull. Siyavush cut the skin into long strips and laid them along the boundaries of the future construction site. This is how the Ark citadel appeared in Bukhara.
The rectangular fortress was built on a plot of approximately 4 hectares. It consists of many buildings: the palace of the emir, the mansions of his entourage, workshops, warehouses, arsenal, treasury, etc. All of them date back to the 17th-20th centuries. The citadel rises 16-20 meters above the Registan Square.
Behind the main gate with two massive columns along a covered corridor you can go to the fortress mosque Jome. The travelers pass water tanks, a room where sand was kept, and a row of cells where political criminals were kept.
The throne pavilion and several courtyards adjoin the Jome Mosque. One of them hosted distinguished guests. Another is located in front of the stables, so the emir could get a fresh horse at any time. In addition to the Jome mosque, there are two more mosques in the fortress.
The eastern sector of the citadel has not survived to our time. Now archaeologists are actively working there.
