Merv Sights

Overview About Mary

Known as the 4th largest city of Turkmenistan, Merv or Mary is located in the south-east part of Turkmenistan in the middle of Karakum Desert. Merv was established as a military-administrative centre of the Russian Empire in 1884 and near to the old city of Merv. The Merv city is located 30 km away from Merv or Mary, the most ancient city with famous Merv Sights in Central Asia and one of the most ancient settlements in the world.

Merv is one of the ancient trading posts on Silk Road from 3rd millennium BC to the 15th century A.D. Turkmenistan Tours in Merv are famous for the Merv Sights which are enlisted in UNESCO world heritage sites. The oasis also gives the proof of the existence of earliest Bronze Age dating back to the period of 2500 BC to 1200 BC.

Mary Highlighted Point Of This Attraction

Abdullakhan-Kala

Founded in 1409, Abdullakhan Kala is the smallest of Merv’s cities. In Turkmenistan Tours, you will see the rectangular walls enclose some 44 towers including the citadel - home of the city’s ruler.

Aivans of Askhabs

Located in the southern section of Sultan Kala, the aivans of Akshabs were built in between 9th and 12th centuries and dedicated to Abu Dhar al-Ghifari and Abu Buraidah al-Aslami, the two earliest companions or associates of Prophet Muhammad.

Bairamalikhan-Kala

Bayram-Ali-Khan Kala is one of the post-medieval Merv Sights and has a collection of broken and stunning architectural works. These wonders include the fortress walls, towers and citadels.

Erk-Kala

Known as the smallest among all Merv Sights, Erk Kala in Merv oasis was founded in 6th century BCE by Alexander, the Great during the Achaemenid period.

Gyaur-Kala

After the conquest of Alexander the Great in the 4th century BC, it was incorporated into the city of Antiochia. The remains of the city fortress walls are known today as Gyaur Kala and also included in major Tourist Attractions in Turkmenistan for the excavations of hellenistic culture, Buddhists and Christian religions.

Kharam-Keshk

Located 7 km far from the north of Gyaur Kala, Kharam-Keshk was the residence of the most powerful Merv family in between 9th and 13th century.

Kyz-Kala

Built in between 600 and 900 AD, Kyz Kala represents the pre-Arabian era and has the rectangular wall structures enclosing the ruins of the interconnecting rooms.

Mohammed ibn-Zeid Mausoleum

Sultan Sandzhar Mausoleum

Sultan Sandzhar Mausoleum is one of the Merv Sights which is related to the love between Sultan Muizeddin Sandzhar and “Per”, a girl with super natural power.

Sultan-Kala

Included in Turkmenistan Highlights, Sultan Kala is known as the central core of medieval Merv. In this Kala, you can see the mausoleums and citadels with unique construction.

Yusuf Khamadani Mosque

Known as the sacred place in Merv, this mosque is dedicated to Abu Yaqub Yusuf Hamdani, the first groups of Sufi teachers.

March to early June and September to October is the best Travel Time To Visit Turkmenistan for Turkmenistan Attractions.

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