Ark Fortress, Bukhara, Uzbekistan

Bukhara citadel of Ark got its modern shape in the period of the Manghit dynasty (1747-1920). At that time Ark was the center of Bukhara statehood. There was a palace of Bukhara amir, mosques, exchequer, governmental administration and prison. Its grand entrance faced Registan Square. The massive gates were reinforced with two towers connected by a gallery above. In the past there hung a lash above the gates. It symbolized amir's power. Ark was considerably destroyed in 1920 when the Red Army subjected the city to artillery attack and air bombing.

Entrance to the fortress

View on the wall