Merv Oasis

The archaeological site spans multiple layers of civilization, featuring fortified walls, caravanserais, mosques, and extensive irrigation networks across the desert landscape.

During the 12th century, Merv reached its peak as one of the largest cities globally, with a population of 500,000 people before the Mongol invasion of 1221.

The oasis functioned as an intellectual center during the Islamic Golden Age, housing numerous libraries containing thousands of manuscripts and attracting notable scholars like Omar Khayyam.

Visitors can explore the State Historical and Cultural Park Ancient Merv, which preserves architectural remains spanning over 4,000 years of human settlement.

The site contains five distinct ancient cities built in different periods, each showcasing separate archaeological complexes within the same geographical area.

GPS coordinates: 37.60000,61.83333

Latest update: March 21, 2025 12:22