Tourist Attractions in Merv, Turkmenistan
Margush Archaeological Museum
The Archaeological Museum of Margush may be found in close proximity to the excavation site at Margush. The site may be found in what was once the delta of an old river called the Murgab. It is situated in close proximity to the Karakum Desert. The ruins found here date back to the seventh millennium before the common era. Ruins from over 300 different villages, both great and little, may be seen in this area. In this area, tourists may also explore the remains of over 30 different temples.
Mausoleum of Mohammed Ibn Zeid
During the reign of Sultan Kala in Merv, the mausoleum that is dedicated to Mohammed ibn Zeid was constructed. The structure, which at first consisted of little more than a humble grave for Mohammed Ibn Zeid, a descendent of the Prophet, eventually evolved into a mausoleum. The inscriptions on the walls of the interior of this building, which was constructed in the 12th century, are written in Arabic. The letters are carved from bricks, while the backdrop is formed of a kind of plaster.
Erk Kala
The old city’s history and culture may be gleaned from the Erk Kala fortifications, which are dispersed throughout a vast region and provide a glimpse into the past. The magnificent towers and the slopes that run down the walls of the forts are two of the most impressive features of these forts. Other noteworthy sites in Erk Kala include the remnants of the palace that was used by the early monarchs. The remnants of the ancient city square may be found to the north of where the site is now situated.
Giaur Kala
The ruins of an old edifice known as Giaur Kala may be seen inside the boundaries of the ancient city of Margian Antioquia. Ancient architecture is represented quite well by the structures that can be seen here. Antiochus Soter, a member of the Selevkid dynasty and a ruler during the third century AD, is credited with establishing the city’s first settlement. The tall walls that were constructed around the city in order to shield it from the sands of the desert are now prominent tourist attractions.
Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar
It is possible to get a good view of the blue dome atop the mediaeval skyscraper that is the Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar from many different places of the city. The name “Dar-al-Akhyre,” which translates to “the other world,” is another name for the historical structure that was constructed in the 12th century. The mausoleum’s dome is comprised of two levels, and each level has open arches. Other noteworthy sights here are the mausoleum’s imposing walls, which get thinner as they approach the structure’s foundation.
Shahriyar Ark
In addition to its other name, the Citadel of Sultan Kala, Shahriyar Ark is an intriguing tourist destination in the city of Merv. There are still remnants of its magnificent walls and a koshk that has been carefully maintained. The fort’s corrugated walls are the primary attractive feature that stand out.
Mosque of Yusuf Hamadani
The original structure of the Mosque of Yusuf Khamadani dates back to the 13th century, although it was extensively renovated and reconstructed in the 19th century. The complex of mausoleums was constructed on the burial place of Abu-Yakub Yusuf Ibn Ayub, who was born in the Iranian city of Hamadan. In addition to a chapel, the mosque is home to a crypt that has been sculpted out of black marble and has inscriptions as well as floral embellishments.
Kyz Kala
The historical defences of Kyz Kala may be broken down into two distinct sections: main Kyz Kala and little Kyz Kala. Medieval feudal landowners were responsible for the building of these fortifications, which are famous for their layered construction style. There are five windows on each of the bottom levels of the fort, which allows natural light to enter the structure. The pleated walls that make up the defences have a few small windows here and there. In this area, you may also see the remnants of the stairway that led all the way to the summit.
Mausoleums of Two Askhab
The mausoleums of Al-Khkim Ibn Amr Al-Gifari and Ibn Al Khusseib Al-Aslami, both of whom were companions of the Prophet, are known together as the Mausoleums of Two Askhabs. This location serves as a major hub for Islamic pilgrimage. During the 15th century, rulers who were part of the Timurid dynasty were responsible for the construction of the mausoleums that surround the burials. An important component of the mausoleums is a kitchen area, as well as a space to store food and drink and fresh water.
Ice Houses
Ice Houses During the reign of the Timurids, three ice houses were built to the south of Sultan Kala and Giaur Kala. These ice houses are known as the Ice Houses. Bricks were used in the construction of these Ice Houses, which have a conical roof on the very peak. In the sweltering heat of summer, they were used to maintain the highest possible quality of meat and other food products. The Ice House that is closest to the Giaur Kala is the one that is kept in the finest condition out of the three.
