Ark Fortress Tourism

The Ark Fortress is a massive fortress located in the historic city of Bukhara, Uzbekistan. This centuries-old citadel has origins dating back to the 5th century AD, although much of its present form was established during the 17th century. The fortress has served as a stronghold for various empires, including the Samanid, the Khanate of Bukhara, and was last used by the emirs until 1920. The Ark is an imposing structure, occupying a large portion of land and surrounded by fortifications. Over time, it has been used as a royal town-within-a-town, encompassing numerous buildings such as mosques, a palace, barracks, royal mint, armory, and more. Many of these structures are now in ruins due to age and past military action, including a Soviet bombardment that severely damaged the fortress in 1920. Today, the fortress is recognized as an essential part of Bukhara’s cultural heritage and draws tourists keen to explore Central Asia's historical and architectural legacy. Inside the site, visitors can view various exhibitions that give insight into its history, the culture of the region, and archaeological findings.