Zindan Prison
Zindon
An emirate-era prison behind the Ark Fortress, with a “worm pit” dungeon where British officers were held. It displays torture instruments and the legal history of the Bukhara emirate.
Located just north of the Ark Fortress, this was the prison of the Emirate of Bukhara from the 18th to the early 20th century. The most notorious feature is the Bug Pit, about 6 metres deep, into which prisoners were lowered by rope to live among scorpions and insects. From 1838 to 1842, the British officers Stoddart and Conolly, envoys of the Great Game era, were held here, and both were eventually beheaded in front of the Ark Fortress. Today it is a small museum displaying cells, torture instruments and shackles, with figures recreating scenes. Admission is about 20,000 sum. A visit takes about 20 minutes, and it can be combined with the Ark Fortress.
Opening hours
About 09:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Po-i-Kalyan: Kalyan Minaret & Mosque
- Trading Domes (Toqi)
- Ark of Bukhara
- Ulugh Beg & Abdulaziz Khan Madrasas
- Bolo Haouz Mosque
- Magoki-Attari Mosque
- Lyabi-Hauz
- Kosh Madrasa (Modari Khan & Abdullah Khan)