Ark Fortress in Bukhara, Uzbekistan

Fortress Ark in Bukhara

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.