The Central Asian jewel of the Silk Road, Turkmenistan, is home to some of the most outstanding works of ancient history each with a story about the civilizations that once had flourished thousands of years ago. Although the country is not so popular as its neighbours, the Ancient Sites of Turkmenistan provide the traveller with the exclusive experience of the trip to the nest of history, archeology and culture. There are not only destroyed castles in the Karakum Desert, but also magnificent palaces and trade centers which were once the links between the East and the West, Turkmenistan is a place where every stone speaks about the past. The sites are not only the archaeological marvels, but they are also the UNESCO listed sites and the nation is therefore a treat to history and adventure lovers.
As a tourist who wants to have meaningful experiences, the Ancient Sites of Turkmenistan is an adventure trip that one cannot forget, with the remnants of the empires and legacies of the Silk Roads. Telentos like Merv, Nisa, Kunya-Urgench and Gonur Depe narrate about human ingenuity, spirituality and strength. You are a history lover, or an adventurer or just an ordinary person who wants to enter the land that has not been covered with mass tourists, then Turkmenistan opens the gate to the world of miracles. By going with experienced guides and tours to Turkmenistan, you are in a place to visit these ancient wonders as well as learning about their cultural and historical importance. We are going to reveal the best places, its significance, and the reasons why they should be included in your travel list in this guide.
The Best Prehistoric Sites in Turkmenistan.
1. Ancient Merv -The Pearl of the East.
One of the most important Ancient Sites of Turkmenistan and a UNESCO World Heritage is Merv. Being a successful oasis city in the Silk Road, Merv was regarded as the Pearl of the East. Merv was a cultural, administrative and economic hub, competing with the best cities in the Islamic world at that time.
Sights: the Great Kyz Kala fortress, the Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar and the citadels of the Middle Ages.
Why Visit: Walking on the ruins, the travelers will be able to experience the magnificence of a city that used to be shaping the history.
2. Nisa – The Parthian Capital
Nisa, the capital of the Parthian Empire was situated close to the city of Ashgabat. The mixture of Hellenistic and local traditions can be traced in its ruins.
Sights: Strong fortification, royal palaces, and temples of ancient gods.
Why Visit: Nisa is an indispensable destination of any tours to Turkmenistan since it is the home of Parthian civilization and it has gorgeous desert landscapes to provide the backdrop.
3. Kunya-Urgentch A Crossroad of the Silk Road.
Another UNESCO World Heritage site that had developed to be a trading center of Khorezm Empire is Kunya-Urgench. It includes some of the biggest minarets of bricks in the center of Asia.
Sights: The Kutlug Timur Minaret, Turabek Khanum Mausoleum and large caravanserais.
Why Visit: It has been a tourism attraction in most tours of Turkmenistan because the site is a living monument to the glory of the Silk Road.
4. Gonur Depe -The Margiana Civilization
Gonur Depe is a Bronze Age archaeological site and dates back to 2300 BCE giving its insights into the Margiana civilization. Palaces, temples and burial sites have been discovered through excavations.
Sights: Prima porta, Early crafts, unusual city design.
Why Visit: Gonur Depe is one of the most interesting Ancient Sites of Turkmenistan to the archaeology enthusiasts as it surpasses most of the well-known civilizations.
5. Dekhistan Ruins in the Desert.
A well-preserved and smaller site worth visiting is Dekhistan in western Turkmenistan, which is full of the ruins of medieval mosques and caravanserais.
Sights: Shir-Kabir mosque, minaret ruins, and landscape of the desert.
What to See: This place provides a peaceful off-the-trodden-path tourism experience to people that enjoy spending time alone among the ancient buildings.
6. Abiverd A Town of Desert Fortress.
Abiverd was at one time a prosperous fortress town in the Silk Road. It is a reminder of the medieval architecture up to date.
Sights: The main citadel, caravanserai ruins and defensive walls.
Why Visit: It creates an outstanding image of the ways ancient travelers passed through Central Asia.
7. Altyn-Depe Bronze age Heritage.
Another prehistoric site of the Bronze Age is known as Altyn-Depe. It is also famous with its advanced irrigation systems and city development.
Highlights: Archeological results which include figurines and items of primitive workmanship.
Why Visit: The Altyn-Depe is a unique example to those who admire the early urban life as it is an awesome sight into the origin of the urban life.
Ancient Turkmenistan Cultural and Historical Significance.
The Ancient Sites of Turkmenistan are not only a pile of ruins, but they are breathing history of human strength. They breathe the strategic position of the nation, which was located along the Silk Road, where the merchants, scholars, and conquerors met. The sites represent such influences as Persian empires, Islamic dynasties, and tell how Turkmenistan came to exist as a melting pot of cultures.
Moreover, the locations are of great spiritual importance. Even in Kunya-Urgench and Merv, there are mausoleums and mosques that are visited even nowadays as pilgrimage sites. The progress of each ruin in terms of architecture, irrigation and trade systems speaks on how sophisticated these ancient civilizations were.
Planning Your Visit
Modern-day tourists should visit the Ancient Sites of Turkmenistan with a guided Turkmenistan tour, where besides historical backgrounds, it offers convenience in logistics, as one may find it difficult to travel without a guide in a country where it is hard to get around. Tour companies such as Gokite Tours are well-known, and they have special tours to Merv, Nisa, and Kunya-Urgench, so that the traveler can be aware of all the cultural richness of the places and not miss even the smallest details. The ideal period to visit is spring (April- May) and Autumn (September-October) when the desert weather is more favorable. The majority of the sites imply walking, thus, comfortable shoes, water, and sun protection are necessary.
Conclusion
One of the most remarkable historical sites in the world, the Ancient Sites of Turkmenistan provide the world with a unique opportunity to peep into the numerous civilizations that gave birth to the Central Asian region and the Silk Road. Starting with the splendour of Merv and the secrets of Nisa and the archaeological marvels of Gonur Depe, every site has its own element of the Turkish history. Not only the history of the world, but also of cultural diversity and human success, these destinations are living ciphers.
To those individuals who want to travel with genuineness, a guided Turkmenistan tour would provide them with a greater insight of these ancient places coupled with the hassle free tour. Experienced tours to Turkmenistan, you have an opportunity to visit ruins, desert landscapes, and spiritual monuments that are still inspiring. The rich history of the country is just there waiting to be unraveled, and by entering its history, you will find yourself in an experience of a lifetime. Therefore, visit the path less traveled and discover the all-time beauty of the Ancient Sites of Turkmenistan.
