Baku: Presidents and First Ladies from Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan took time to explore the historic Ark Fortress on their recent visit to Bukhara. On August 24, President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan, First Lady Ziroatkhon Mirziyoyeva, and their family members visited this ancient site, as reported by APA's correspondent dispatched to Uzbekistan.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the Ark Fortress has a rich history, with its origins dating back to the 4th century BCE. The structure took its present form primarily in the 17th and 18th centuries. In the early 20th century, it served as the winter residence for the rulers of Bukhara. Although a significant part of the fortress was destroyed in 1920, it still spans an area of four hectares. Since 1947, it has housed the Bukhara State Museum-Reserve, preserving its historical essence for visitors.