Once serving as the palace for a beck of the Bukhara Emirate, Hissar Fortress stood proudly on the slope of a high hill, fortified with one-meter-thick walls and equipped with gun and cannon loopholes. Within its confines lay a serene pool and a lush garden. Opposite the fortress, a bustling market square thrived, featuring a caravanserai and an array of shops.
Grand staircases and brick terraces once led to the main entrance, though these have not survived the passage of time. The palace itself has largely disappeared, with only the monumental gate remaining. This gate, crafted from burnt bricks, boasts two cylindrical towers with an arrow-shaped arch between them, reflecting the architectural style of Bukhara gates from the 18th and 19th centuries. Despite being just a fragment, it exudes a sense of grandeur and awe.
Local legends abound regarding the fortress. One tale suggests it was constructed by Afrosiab to defend against Rustam’s armies, both legendary figures from Firdausi’s «Shahnameh.» Another story tells of the righteous Caliph Ali, who traveled to the area on his horse, Duhl-Duhl, to spread Islam. He camped on a mountain now known as Poy-Duhl-Duhl, west of Hissar. Disguised as an acrobat, he infiltrated the fortress but was recognized and captured. His loyal horse retrieved his sword, Zulfikar, enabling him to vanquish his foes, including the malevolent wizard who then controlled the fortress. Nearby, two ancient plane trees, aged between 500 and 700 years, stand as silent witnesses to the fortress’s storied past.
