Constructed during the 14th-century, the Ak Saray palace was one of the largest palaces in the region with a gate that stood more than 200 feet tall. The gate was once considered the largest gate in central Asia. 

Ak Saray was the residence of Tamerlane and the portal was likely the entrance to the palace. The palace was eventually destroyed by the Bukhara Emir.

Today, much of the ruins have been restored and the rest of the palace ground is used for public shows.