Great Kyz Kala, Ancient fortress in Merv, Turkmenistan
The Great Kyz Kala stands as a rectangular earthen structure with corrugated external walls measuring 40 feet in height and 6.5 feet in thickness.
Built between the 6th and 8th centuries CE, this fortified residence served the elite of Merv until the Mongol invasion in 1221 CE.
The architectural design incorporates 16 rooms arranged around a central space, reflecting the sophisticated building techniques of Central Asian fortifications.
The structure remains accessible for research and visits as part of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Merv, near the modern city of Mary.
The fortress represents one of the largest surviving mudbrick buildings worldwide, featuring distinctive corrugations measuring 4.3 feet in diameter from base to top.
Part of: Merv
GPS coordinates: 37.65505,62.15256
Latest update: March 2, 2025 20:18
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