Bukhara: Presidents and First Ladies from Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan have embarked on a visit to the historic Ark Fortress in Bukhara. On August 24, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, First Lady Ziroatkhon Mirziyoyeva, along with their family members, explored the ancient site.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the Ark Fortress, originally constructed in the 4th century BCE, gained its current form primarily during the 17th and 18th centuries. It once served as the winter residence for the rulers of Bukhara in the early 20th century. Presently, the fortress spans an area of four hectares, though a significant portion was destroyed in 1920. Since 1947, the Bukhara State Museum-Reserve has been operating within the fortress grounds, preserving its historical importance.