Ancient Merv

Central Asia is home to many ancient cities that are more than 2,000 years old. Some of them still exist and flourish, while others have been abandoned and ruined. Among the latter is Merv, one of the most special and most important. Merv was once the largest city not only in Central Asia, but also in the entire world. Omar Khayyam, As-Samani, Imamaddin Isfahani, and other great intellectuals lived here.
There are several castles in Merv that date back to different periods. They differ greatly in size and retention level.
•⁠ ⁠Eirk-gala (B.C. VI VI century)
•⁠ ⁠Castle (B.C 3rd century)
•⁠ ⁠Gyz-gala (VI asyr)
•⁠ ⁠Soltan-gala (XI asyr)
•⁠ ⁠Abdullahan-gala (XV asyr)-
•⁠ ⁠Bournemouth Fortress (c. 18th century)
Most of them are ruins, some are just swollen clay hills, and even at this point, Merv continues to be one of the most impressive monuments in history.
Among the most interesting historical monuments is the mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar Dar-al-Ahir (1140), whose name is associated with the earlier period of the Great Seljuk Empire, and the 40-meter-high monument is impressive. This medieval “building” is unique in that it has a dome made of two thin brick shells.
In 1999, Ancient Merv was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Currently, there are asphalt roads for touring vehicles in Merv, and separate buildings are being refurbished. The mosque where Yusuf Khameneni works is located in an area that is regularly visited by pilgrims from different parts of Turkmenistan.
A trip to Merv will be of interest to students of the Great Cube Road and to all historians. The ruins of this ancient city will surprise everyone!