The Ark, Bukhara, Uzbekistan

Perhaps Uzbekistan is only ubiquitous within its own border. The country is a lesser-known gem and had a long history that was very much part of the world's heritage. At the Ark of Bukhara, I came across an antiquity of Uzbekistan that has long-lasting effects on its modern development.


The Ark of Bukhara is namely the most significant historical relic in the heritage-rich city of Bukhara. The Ark is an enormous compound spanning acres, but only a selected section is open for touring. At a few sections the rooms are turned into small museums that are somewhat interesting.


As a fortress as well as an inhabited city, there were whole communities living in the Ark besides the royal family. As such it was in every way a standing testament to Bukhara’s history. It is believed that, as early as the 5th to 6th centuries AD, the Ark was already in existence. This was during the pre-Islamic era, and throughout the remaining of its history the Ark was a work-in-progress for many of the Bukharan rulers. In around 713 AD, the Arabs built the first mosque upon the foundation of the original temple, as a symbolic act of asserting the power of Islam over all other faiths. This would be the first mosque in Bukhara as well.


The current fortress and citadel standing was a structure of the 16th century Shaybanid dynasty. The Ark was the subject of conquest during the Mongolian invasion, as well as the subsequent wars in Bukhara. Fast forward to 1920, a devastating fire destroyed most of the Ark. Some 80% of the structures there were burned to the ground. The Red Army had also caused significant damage to the Ark by their bombing campaigns. There was speculation as to whether the Soviets or the exiting emirs started the fire. The Ark remained in ruins throughout much of the 20th century. Be it the Russians or the Emir causing the fire, the falling of the Ark ushered in the era of Russian colonialism in this part of Uzbekistan. The Russians would eventually exercise control over Khiva as well.

Post by Helen Yu (Chestnut Journal) | Jan 27, 2025