![Gateway to Merv](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141166983.JRwVQwk5.UZTM113105.jpg) Gateway to Merv |
![Model of the archeological site of Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141166981.vpBSTnva.UZTM113104.jpg) Model of the archeological site of Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site |
![The Great and Small Kyz kalas, 7th Century](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141166985.bgvOxj3p.UZTM113106.jpg) The Great and Small Kyz kalas, 7th Century |
![A large hole in the western wall of the Great Gyzgala](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141166987.oVGFj9tI.UZTM113107.jpg) A large hole in the western wall of the Great Gyzgala |
![Kyz Kala (or Gyzgala) is Turkmen for maiden's fortress](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141166989.bT7rfMA8.UZTM113108.jpg) Kyz Kala (or Gyzgala) is Turkmen for "maiden's fortress" |
![Corner of the Greater Kyz Kala of Merv](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141166992.ImH1KdiT.UZTM113109.jpg) Corner of the Greater Kyz Kala of Merv |
![Corrugated walls of the Kyz Kalas of Merv are unique in Central Asia](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141166994.juUT3TmQ.UZTM113110.jpg) Corrugated walls of the Kyz Kalas of Merv are unique in Central Asia |
![Southern wall of the Greater Kyz Kala, 7th Century](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141166997.SG4fQxFl.UZTM113111.jpg) Southern wall of the Greater Kyz Kala, 7th Century |
![The Greater Kyz Kala was built by the Sassanians and were in use until the Mongol conquest 600 years later](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167001.RGJ3ynb6.UZTM113113.jpg) The Greater Kyz Kala was built by the Sassanians and were in use until the Mongol conquest 600 years later |
![Entering the Greater Kyz Kala you are on the second level. The roof has collapsed burying the ground floor](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167005.NQX4nYkB.UZTM113114.jpg) Entering the Greater Kyz Kala you are on the second level. The roof has collapsed burying the ground floor |
![Staircase of the Greater Kyz Kala, Merv](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167008.7TMHdv5P.UZTM113115.jpg) Staircase of the Greater Kyz Kala, Merv |
![Greater Kyz Kala](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167011.CLytf3L1.UZTM113116.jpg) Greater Kyz Kala |
![Stairways leading up to the long-gone parapet and down to the buried ground floor](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167012.HdtfC3SR.UZTM113117.jpg) Stairways leading up to the long-gone parapet and down to the buried ground floor |
![The Greater Gyzgala is the most impressive of the ancient structures of Merv](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167015.eSNu8y6X.UZTM113119.jpg) The Greater Gyzgala is the most impressive of the ancient structures of Merv |
![Greater Kyz Kala, Merv](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167018.EYROnc2i.UZTM113120.jpg) Greater Kyz Kala, Merv |
![A group of Turkmen tourists visiting Merv](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167020.g28x3Qlp.UZTM113121.jpg) A group of Turkmen tourists visiting Merv |
![Greater Kyz Kala, 7th C. AD, Merv](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167022.aCr1reBu.UZTM113124.jpg) Greater Kyz Kala, 7th C. AD, Merv |
![Scrubland between the Greater and Small Kyz Kala](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167023.zMcUfn7i.UZTM113125.jpg) Scrubland between the Greater and Small Kyz Kala |
![Greater Kyz Kala, 7th C. AD, Merv](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167024.zuwPXCSn.UZTM113128.jpg) Greater Kyz Kala, 7th C. AD, Merv |
![Greater Kyz Kala, 7th C. AD, Merv](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141179113.Ui1DfhSY.MervPanorama1.jpg) Greater Kyz Kala, 7th C. AD, Merv |
![Greater Kyz Kala, 7th C. AD, Merv](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/93/329493/2/141179118.S4eSOZYu.jpg) Greater Kyz Kala, 7th C. AD, Merv |
![Greater Kyz Kala, 7th C. AD, Merv](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167025.zoWZ4Hqd.UZTM113130.jpg) Greater Kyz Kala, 7th C. AD, Merv |
![Greater Kyz Kala, 7th C. AD, Merv](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167026.xV8e3ScR.UZTM113131.jpg) Greater Kyz Kala, 7th C. AD, Merv |
![The Small Kyz Kala, also from the 7th Century](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167028.9gbK7Kdw.UZTM113132.jpg) The Small Kyz Kala, also from the 7th Century |
![Greater Kyz Kala, 7th C. AD, Merv](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167029.7uAxdhZf.UZTM113134.jpg) Greater Kyz Kala, 7th C. AD, Merv |
![An ancient canal separated the Greater Kyz Kala and Small Kyz Kala](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167031.cRH1wlJG.UZTM113136.jpg) An ancient canal separated the Greater Kyz Kala and Small Kyz Kala |
![Ruins of the Small Kyz Kala, Merv](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167032.Ng3GYk2Y.UZTM113139.jpg) Ruins of the Small Kyz Kala, Merv |
![Small Kyz Kala, 7th C. AD, Merv](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167033.CXBm3g0t.UZTM113140.jpg) Small Kyz Kala, 7th C. AD, Merv |
![Again, the roof has collapsed burying the structure in debris](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167034.DLAO6lAc.UZTM113141.jpg) Again, the roof has collapsed burying the structure in debris |
![Eroded corner of the Small Gyzgala](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167035.HZiyQ6UC.UZTM113142.jpg) Eroded corner of the Small Gyzgala |
![Small Kyz Kala, Merv](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167036.tyvUQVvR.UZTM113143.jpg) Small Kyz Kala, Merv |
![Buried staircase that once led to the ground floor of the Small Kyz Kala](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167037.XOnbCWCF.UZTM113144.jpg) Buried staircase that once led to the ground floor of the Small Kyz Kala |
![The Greater Kyz Kala from the Small Kyz Kala](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167038.hWnwoZ4t.UZTM113145.jpg) The Greater Kyz Kala from the Small Kyz Kala |
![Small Kyz Kala, Merv](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167039.87kCzzpf.UZTM113146.jpg) Small Kyz Kala, Merv |
![The Greater Kyz Kala from the Small Kyz Kala](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167040.MbyrUvFu.UZTM113147.jpg) The Greater Kyz Kala from the Small Kyz Kala |
![Greater Kyz Kala, Merv](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167042.jXkhUkIi.UZTM113149.jpg) Greater Kyz Kala, Merv |
![Small Kyz Kala, Merv](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167043.g2TuIHuj.UZTM113150.jpg) Small Kyz Kala, Merv |
![Small Kyz Kala, Merv](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167044.Oj42xDC1.UZTM113152.jpg) Small Kyz Kala, Merv |
![Small Kyz Kala looking to the Greater Kyz Kala](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167045.N2w4MxmA.UZTM113153.jpg) Small Kyz Kala looking to the Greater Kyz Kala |
![The south side of the Small Kyz Kala still displays the corrugated building style unique to Merv](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167046.A9LedYnC.UZTM113154.jpg) The south side of the Small Kyz Kala still displays the corrugated building style unique to Merv |
![The Small Kyz Kala, Merv](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167047.9y8bkOO6.UZTM113155.jpg) The Small Kyz Kala, Merv |
![Small Kyz Kala, Merv](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167048.T09eBNga.UZTM113156.jpg) Small Kyz Kala, Merv |
![The ancient canal in front of the Greater Gyz Gala](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167049.DWfwvhfL.UZTM113158.jpg) The ancient canal in front of the Greater Gyz Gala |
![The Greater Kyz Kala with a deep blue sky](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167050.HFYz61L6.UZTM113165.jpg) The Greater Kyz Kala with a deep blue sky |
![Inside the Greater Kyz Kala](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167051.loaAB8dR.UZTM113166.jpg) Inside the Greater Kyz Kala |
![Passageway leading to the stairs going up](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167052.5XqQV8BX.UZTM113167.jpg) Passageway leading to the stairs going up |
![The stairs to the ground floor buried in debris](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167053.L1qA1YvV.UZTM113168.jpg) The stairs to the ground floor buried in debris |
![The worn out remains of the Greater Kyz Kala's staircase](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167054.fEv7KIxO.UZTM113170.jpg) The worn out remains of the Greater Kyz Kala's staircase |
![The walls of Soltangala, or Sultan's Fortress, the largest of Merv's 5 ancient walled cities](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167041.yoOuEygg.UZTM113148.jpg) The walls of Soltangala, or Sultan's Fortress, the largest of Merv's 5 ancient walled cities |
![Post-Mongol Timurid-era Ice House in the Abdullah Khan Kala, Merv's 4th walled city](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167059.4QZL6qfn.UZTM113181.jpg) Post-Mongol Timurid-era Ice House in the Abdullah Khan Kala, Merv's 4th walled city |
![Stair leading town into the Ice House](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167056.ThVVvomt.UZTM113178.jpg) Stair leading town into the Ice House |
![Inside one of the Ice Houses built during Merv's Timurid era](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167055.C2F5Z8XW.UZTM113176.jpg) Inside one of the Ice Houses built during Merv's Timurid era |
![An interesting brick of the Timurid Ice House, Merv](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167057.KKEWkFWw.UZTM113179.jpg) An interesting brick of the Timurid Ice House, Merv |
![Remains of stucco ornamentation](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167058.HB4FEF58.UZTM113180.jpg) Remains of stucco ornamentation |
![Merv's 4th walled city, the Abdullah Khan Kala, was founded by Shahrukh (1405-1447)](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167060.XEGx1fr4.UZTM113182.jpg) Merv's 4th walled city, the Abdullah Khan Kala, was founded by Shahrukh (1405-1447) |
![Architectural complex (15th century) of Askhab's (7th century)](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167061.BNM7i16g.UZTM113183.jpg) Architectural complex (15th century) of Askhab's (7th century) |
![Architectural complex of the Askhabs](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167062.xEEu9B8s.UZTM113184.jpg) Architectural complex of the Askhabs |
![The large portals (iwans) date from the Tumurid Period (15th C) while the mausoleums are from the 7th C.](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167063.29S4qxgi.UZTM113185.jpg) The large portals (iwans) date from the Tumurid Period (15th C) while the mausoleums are from the 7th C. |
![The tombs belong to Al Hakim ibn Amr Al-Jifari and Buraida ibn al-Huseib al-Aslami](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167064.5AU0QSqB.UZTM113186.jpg) The tombs belong to Al Hakim ibn Amr Al-Jifari and Buraida ibn al-Huseib al-Aslami |
![Remains of 15th Century Timurid tile work, Merv](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167065.BJ0UWiz9.UZTM113188.jpg) Remains of 15th Century Timurid tile work, Merv |
![The 7th Century tombs are still places of pilgrimage for the Turkmen people today](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167066.PPinQFYZ.UZTM113189.jpg) The 7th Century tombs are still places of pilgrimage for the Turkmen people today |
![Panorama of the massive Seljuk city walls of Soltankala](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/93/329493/2/141179121.dSfO1x3l.jpg) Panorama of the massive Seljuk city walls of Soltankala |
![The walls didn't stop the Mongols who destroyed Merv in 1221](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167067.7Gx6PamG.UZTM113191.jpg) The walls didn't stop the Mongols who destroyed Merv in 1221 |
![Each pile of dirt is an unexcavated ruin](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167068.ia23tW12.UZTM113194.jpg) Each pile of dirt is an unexcavated ruin |
![Southeast corner of the Soltankala, Merv](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167069.meDMC0BZ.UZTM113195.jpg) Southeast corner of the Soltankala, Merv |
![The oldest of Merv's 4 ancient walled cities - the Erk Kala seen from within the 2nd city, the Giaur Kala (Gäwürgala)](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167070.dn1Zpnwm.UZTM113196.jpg) The oldest of Merv's 4 ancient walled cities - the Erk Kala seen from within the 2nd city, the Giaur Kala (Gäwürgala) |
![The Erk Kala was founded by the Achaemenids in the 6th C. BC](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167071.bTyl0nMU.UZTM113197.jpg) The Erk Kala was founded by the Achaemenids in the 6th C. BC |
![Alexander the Great renamed it after himself, Alexandria Margiana](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167072.5PbmAIx7.UZTM113198a.jpg) Alexander the Great renamed it after himself, Alexandria Margiana |
![The massive walls of the Erk Kala were over 25m tall](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167073.8BGVtGGg.UZTM113199.jpg) The massive walls of the Erk Kala were over 25m tall |
![An interesting bush at Merv which changes color with the seasons](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167074.g6vLx03t.UZTM113200.jpg) An interesting bush at Merv which changes color with the seasons |
![Erk Kala, the Citadel, 6th C. BC](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/93/329493/2/141179127.wzc0DGeC.jpg) Erk Kala, the Citadel, 6th C. BC |
![Path leading up the worn out walls of the Erk Kala](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167075.sF42GbGN.UZTM113202.jpg) Path leading up the worn out walls of the Erk Kala |
![The Sassanians built their larger ancient city, the Giaur Kala, to the south of the Erk Kala in the 3rd C. BC - little remains](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167076.HtB1dPgv.UZTM113203.jpg) The Sassanians built their larger ancient city, the Giaur Kala, to the south of the Erk Kala in the 3rd C. BC - little remains |
![Panoramic view of the Erk Kala from the southern wall](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/93/329493/2/141179123.a1Jn8Wop.jpg) Panoramic view of the Erk Kala from the southern wall |
![If you look close, you can make out some ancient bricks that have not yet melted away to mud](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167077.wQfdMxoh.UZTM113204.jpg) If you look close, you can make out some ancient bricks that have not yet melted away to mud |
![The Citadel Erk Kala was in use through the early Islamic period](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167079.fzQ4aLKZ.UZTM113212.jpg) The Citadel Erk Kala was in use through the early Islamic period |
![Ruins of a large building in the Giaur Kala](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167080.tQMVF8wi.UZTM113213.jpg) Ruins of a large building in the Giaur Kala |
![The Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar in the center of the Soltankala to the west of the Erk Kala and Giaur Kala](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167081.NQrtMX4O.UZTM113215.jpg) The Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar in the center of the Soltankala to the west of the Erk Kala and Giaur Kala |
![The large mound in the center of the Erk Kala - the remains of the ancient palace](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167082.eRMMF2eH.UZTM113217.jpg) The large mound in the center of the Erk Kala - the remains of the ancient palace |
![Remains of one of the large towers of the Erk Kala](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167083.gy2TKbS7.UZTM113218.jpg) Remains of one of the large towers of the Erk Kala |
![Tower of the Erk Kala](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167085.0gz8d8Ad.UZTM113224.jpg) Tower of the Erk Kala |
![Excavations of the gate to the second ancient city, the Hellenistic Giaur Kala](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167084.kedOGjLI.UZTM113220.jpg) Excavations of the gate to the second ancient city, the Hellenistic Giaur Kala |
![It's difficult to believe there was once a huge city here - Giaur Kala](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167089.NhGLUcQV.UZTM113229.jpg) It's difficult to believe there was once a huge city here - Giaur Kala |
![Remains of ancient bricks at an excavation site inside the Giaur Kala](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167086.kdZBroFr.UZTM113225.jpg) Remains of ancient bricks at an excavation site inside the Giaur Kala |
![Excavations of a 7th C. mosque in the Giaur Kala](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167087.MeEOZuQ6.UZTM113226.jpg) Excavations of a 7th C. mosque in the Giaur Kala |
![Water cistern near the Giaur Kala's 7th C. mosque](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167088.zoPfdi6F.UZTM113227.jpg) Water cistern near the Giaur Kala's 7th C. mosque |
![Water cistern near the Giaur Kala's 7th C. mosque](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167090.BdLCAc9R.UZTM113231.jpg) Water cistern near the Giaur Kala's 7th C. mosque |
![Excavated cistern, Giaur Kala, Merv](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167091.FBbEr8PS.UZTM113232.jpg) Excavated cistern, Giaur Kala, Merv |
![The modern Mosque of Yusuf Hamadani, an important pilgrimage site with the tomb of a 12th C. holy man](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167092.xTpeTwOo.UZTM113234.jpg) The modern Mosque of Yusuf Hamadani, an important pilgrimage site with the tomb of a 12th C. holy man |
![Northern wall of the Sultan Qala, the largest of Merv's ancient walled cities](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167093.m3ttGGvd.UZTM113236.jpg) Northern wall of the Sultan Qala, the largest of Merv's ancient walled cities |
![The Sultan Qala was founded by Abu Muslim al-Khorasani in the 8th Century](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167094.ioEUiCtp.UZTM113240.jpg) The Sultan Qala was founded by Abu Muslim al-Khorasani in the 8th Century |
![...had to talk the guide into stopping...he was in a rush](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167096.hleYYCHZ.UZTM113242.jpg) ...had to talk the guide into stopping...he was in a rush |
![Worn staircase](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167095.mIu3Hiiy.UZTM113241.jpg) Worn staircase |
![The main road passing through the Sultan Qala](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167097.MAagHSnr.UZTM113243.jpg) The main road passing through the Sultan Qala |
![Shahryar Ark (Sovereign's Citadel) in the northeast corner of the Sultan Qala](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167098.2enovZWr.UZTM113245.jpg) Shahryar Ark (Sovereign's Citadel) in the northeast corner of the Sultan Qala |
![The Seljuk palace (11th C.) is in the northeast corner of the Sultan Qala](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167100.N533vya2.UZTM113246.jpg) The Seljuk palace (11th C.) is in the northeast corner of the Sultan Qala |
![Shahryar Ark, Ancient Merv](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167101.VVzByaeV.UZTM113249.jpg) Shahryar Ark, Ancient Merv |
![Shahryar Ark - Soltangala](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167102.coTqnmEo.UZTM113251.jpg) Shahryar Ark - Soltangala |
![Pinnacle-like ruin in the center of the Shahryar Ark](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167103.4BWxFU2C.UZTM113252.jpg) Pinnacle-like ruin in the center of the Shahryar Ark |
![Merv was at its largest under the Seljuks with perhaps 200,000 inhabitants, the largest city in the world in 1150 AD](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167104.nVhA9uLp.UZTM113253.jpg) Merv was at its largest under the Seljuks with perhaps 200,000 inhabitants, the largest city in the world in 1150 AD |
![Kepderihana or Kaftar Khana (pigeon house) - one of the more substantial ruins in the Shahryar Ark](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167105.FG07xs9n.UZTM113255.jpg) Kepderihana or Kaftar Khana ("pigeon house") - one of the more substantial ruins in the Shahryar Ark |
![The Kepderihana may have actually used for pigeons](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167106.kqGq7GrO.UZTM113256.jpg) The Kepderihana may have actually used for pigeons |
![Others believe the Kepderihana was a library or treasury due to its location next to the palace](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167107.M8JAYEKm.UZTM113257.jpg) Others believe the Kepderihana was a library or treasury due to its location next to the palace |
![Eastern entrance to the Kepderihana](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167108.zCyF8vrv.UZTM113258.jpg) Eastern entrance to the Kepderihana |
![Interior of the Kepderihana in the Shahryar Ark, Merv](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167109.7j10BAm3.UZTM113259.jpg) Interior of the Kepderihana in the Shahryar Ark, Merv |
![The Kepderihana also preserves Merv's unique corrugated wall architecture](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167110.NeczdBUd.UZTM113260.jpg) The Kepderihana also preserves Merv's unique corrugated wall architecture |
![Kepderihana in the Shahryar Ark, Merv](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167111.rmeXefqY.UZTM113261.jpg) Kepderihana in the Shahryar Ark, Merv |
![Remains of another mudbrick structure inside the Shahryar Ark, Merv](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167113.NTuQ1x5f.UZTM113262.jpg) Remains of another mudbrick structure inside the Shahryar Ark, Merv |
![Little remains of the Seljuk palace in the Shahryar Ark of Sultan Qala, Merv](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167115.pGlnSAkG.UZTM113264.jpg) Little remains of the Seljuk palace in the Shahryar Ark of Sultan Qala, Merv |
![A building in the Shahryar Ark with ornate vertical brickwork](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167117.0gZgukRN.UZTM113265.jpg) A building in the Shahryar Ark with ornate vertical brickwork |
![Shahryar Ark, Merv](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167118.fYIZgGsR.UZTM113266.jpg) Shahryar Ark, Merv |
![Remains of a gate to the Sultan's Palace, Shahryar Ark](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167120.LjIcm57a.UZTM113267.jpg) Remains of a gate to the Sultan's Palace, Shahryar Ark |
![Shahryar Ark, Merv](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167121.wUIFoXzY.UZTM113268.jpg) Shahryar Ark, Merv |
![Shahryar Ark, Merv](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167122.PHGY8nQK.UZTM113273.jpg) Shahryar Ark, Merv |
![Panoramic view of the ruins of the Shahryar Ark in the northeast corner of the Sultan Qala](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/93/329493/2/141179129.AIr0ebGR.jpg) Panoramic view of the ruins of the Shahryar Ark in the northeast corner of the Sultan Qala |
![Southern wall of the Kepderihana, Merv](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167123.FCAR1Rhf.UZTM113274.jpg) Southern wall of the Kepderihana, Merv |
![Kepderihana - Shahryar Ark, Merv](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167124.8w3C40xH.UZTM113275.jpg) Kepderihana - Shahryar Ark, Merv |
![Dirt road within the Shahryar Ark](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167125.q9kLD6Qn.UZTM113276.jpg) Dirt road within the Shahryar Ark |
![The road to the main portion of the Sultan Qala](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167126.C9xL9vBB.UZTM113277.jpg) The road to the main portion of the Sultan Qala |
![Remains of a tower of the Shahryar Ark](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167127.XWCX1Jg3.UZTM113280.jpg) Remains of a tower of the Shahryar Ark |
![Shahryar Ark with the Mosque of Yusuf Hamadani](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167128.EEbzMBoE.UZTM113281.jpg) Shahryar Ark with the Mosque of Yusuf Hamadani |
![Walls of the Shahryar Ark, Merv](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167129.xSFNykqc.UZTM113282.jpg) Walls of the Shahryar Ark, Merv |
![Walls of the Shahryar Ark, Merv](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167131.5eXnJcYu.UZTM113284.jpg) Walls of the Shahryar Ark, Merv |
![Walls of the Shahryar Ark, Merv](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167132.DEzcyFin.UZTM113285.jpg) Walls of the Shahryar Ark, Merv |
![...don't remember what the guide called this bush...](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167133.N04mKBUB.UZTM113286.jpg) ...don't remember what the guide called this bush... |
![At the center of the Sultan Qala the Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167130.j3XHcakY.UZTM113283.jpg) At the center of the Sultan Qala the Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar |
![12th Century Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar was spared by the Mongols in the tradition of leaving the tallest monument standing](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167134.HSswZ51l.UZTM113287.jpg) 12th Century Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar was spared by the Mongols in the tradition of leaving the tallest monument standing |
![The Seljuk Sultan Sanjar ruled Merv at its peak from 1118-1153](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167135.J5YN6Zht.UZTM113288.jpg) The Seljuk Sultan Sanjar ruled Merv at its peak from 1118-1153 |
![Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar (1086-1157)](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167136.RD3ZFImg.UZTM113289.jpg) Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar (1086-1157) |
![The interior dome of the Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167137.9nErfWhT.UZTM113290.jpg) The interior dome of the Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar |
![Some of the original artwork of the Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167138.LVuxYnBg.UZTM113291.jpg) Some of the original artwork of the Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar |
![The tomb Sultan Sanjar who died in 1157 after losing his empire in 1153 to the Turkomen (Oghuz Turks)](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167139.PQMCatRW.UZTM113292.jpg) The tomb Sultan Sanjar who died in 1157 after losing his empire in 1153 to the Turkomen (Oghuz Turks) |
![Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167140.OgCDO2bQ.UZTM113293.jpg) Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar |
![Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167141.M7ZxfCtF.UZTM113296.jpg) Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar |
![Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar, Merv](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167142.jeMyCGqA.UZTM113297.jpg) Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar, Merv |
![The dome gives the mausoleum amazing acoustics](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167143.34KoJyy2.UZTM113298.jpg) The dome gives the mausoleum amazing acoustics |
![The dome of the Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141179132.jhChEcVh.MervPanorama7.jpg) The dome of the Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar |
![Original decoration - Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167144.q8Qtd7jd.UZTM113299.jpg) Original decoration - Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar |
![Latticed window, Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167145.ys7NDP4k.UZTM113300.jpg) Latticed window, Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar |
![Well outside the Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167147.WIEu5dZ2.UZTM113302.jpg) Well outside the Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar |
![In 1890 the mausoleum was a picturesque ruin](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167146.yIu15Xj7.UZTM113301.jpg) In 1890 the mausoleum was a picturesque ruin |
![In my opinion, the restoration was excessive...](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167148.45whiUF3.UZTM113303.jpg) In my opinion, the restoration was excessive... |
![Heavily restored Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167149.ijnclnDt.UZTM113304.jpg) Heavily restored Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar |
![The restoration, however, did not replace the tile work that would have covered the dome](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167150.5EUrrhWi.UZTM113305.jpg) The restoration, however, did not replace the tile work that would have covered the dome |
![Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167151.SlH9Ulgg.UZTM113306.jpg) Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar |
![The Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar stands alone in the center of the Sultan Qala, the largest of Merv's ancient cities](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167152.7ESuafr2.UZTM113307.jpg) The Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar stands alone in the center of the Sultan Qala, the largest of Merv's ancient cities |
![A mosque used to stand next to the tomb](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167153.gjqExDdz.UZTM113308.jpg) A mosque used to stand next to the tomb |
![The large square building is 27m per side and the dome is 18m in diameter](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167154.EmZG8dZh.UZTM113309.jpg) The large square building is 27m per side and the dome is 18m in diameter |
![The dome was restored in 1911 and the rest of the mausoleum in the 1990's with the aid of Turkey](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167155.J5lG8bNI.UZTM113310.jpg) The dome was restored in 1911 and the rest of the mausoleum in the 1990's with the aid of Turkey |
![Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar, Merv](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167156.JkbIGl4O.UZTM113311.jpg) Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar, Merv |
![The Mongol conquest of Merv was one of the bloodiest single actions in human history - only 400 artisans were spared](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167157.uIeoIFjw.UZTM113313.jpg) The Mongol conquest of Merv was one of the bloodiest single actions in human history - only 400 artisans were spared |
![Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167158.v4lMehr0.UZTM113314.jpg) Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar |
![Soltan Sanjar yň kümmeti (XII asyr)](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167159.ryX71ZaE.UZTM113315.jpg) Soltan Sanjar yň kümmeti (XII asyr) |
![The last stop - the 12th C. Mausoleum of Muhammed ibn Zayed](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167160.85JUtlCi.UZTM113317.jpg) The last stop - the 12th C. Mausoleum of Muhammed ibn Zayed |
![The Mausoleum of Mohammed ibn Zayed, also heavily restored](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167161.iDe4qC3y.UZTM113318.jpg) The Mausoleum of Mohammed ibn Zayed, also heavily restored |
![Ruins next to the Mausoleum of Mohammed ibn Zayed](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167162.qfcwLWJR.UZTM113319.jpg) Ruins next to the Mausoleum of Mohammed ibn Zayed |
![Sacred saxaul tree with cloth prayer strips](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167163.dA8XaqgW.UZTM113323.jpg) Sacred saxaul tree with cloth prayer strips |
![Mihrab of the Mausoleum of Mohammed ibn Zayed](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167164.eFiGhQ7G.UZTM113324.jpg) Mihrab of the Mausoleum of Mohammed ibn Zayed |
![Tombstone - Mausoleum of Mohammed ibn Zayed](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167165.Chld863X.UZTM113326.jpg) Tombstone - Mausoleum of Mohammed ibn Zayed |
![Tombstone - Mausoleum of Mohammed ibn Zayed](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167167.oUFGQG08.UZTM113327.jpg) Tombstone - Mausoleum of Mohammed ibn Zayed |
![Calligraphy and ornate brickwork, Mausoleum of Mohammed ibn Zayed](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167168.x20qK7kl.UZTM113329.jpg) Calligraphy and ornate brickwork, Mausoleum of Mohammed ibn Zayed |
![Dome of Mausoleum of Mohammed ibn Zayed, Merv](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167169.M02dsJxB.UZTM113330.jpg) Dome of Mausoleum of Mohammed ibn Zayed, Merv |
![Mausoleum of Mohammed ibn Zayed](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167170.Emhpz4de.UZTM113331.jpg) Mausoleum of Mohammed ibn Zayed |
![Mausoleum of Mohammed ibn Zayed](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167171.St5N1Ja0.UZTM113333.jpg) Mausoleum of Mohammed ibn Zayed |
![Mausoleum of Mohammed ibn Zayed](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167172.04cJIOhx.UZTM113334.jpg) Mausoleum of Mohammed ibn Zayed |
![Decorate brickwork, Mausoleum of Mohammed ibn Zayed](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167173.CBJsKIB4.UZTM113335.jpg) Decorate brickwork, Mausoleum of Mohammed ibn Zayed |
![Mausoleum of Mohammed ibn Zayed](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167174.9BAPgxiX.UZTM113336.jpg) Mausoleum of Mohammed ibn Zayed |
![Mausoleum of Mohammed ibn Zayed](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167175.KyILcDiE.UZTM113337.jpg) Mausoleum of Mohammed ibn Zayed |
![Brick dome, Mausoleum of Mohammed ibn Zayed, Merv](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167176.TPIWcU35.UZTM113338.jpg) Brick dome, Mausoleum of Mohammed ibn Zayed, Merv |
![Mausoleum of Mohammed ibn Zayed](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167177.IXzS5m8I.UZTM113339.jpg) Mausoleum of Mohammed ibn Zayed |
![Cistern or icehouse next to the Mausoleum of Mohammed ibn Zayed](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167178.7wbvxQu8.UZTM113340.jpg) Cistern or icehouse next to the Mausoleum of Mohammed ibn Zayed |
![UZTM11 3341.jpg](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167179.YihZYDyz.UZTM113341.jpg) UZTM11 3341.jpg |
![The Mausoleum of Mohammed ibn Zayed is an important Sufi pilgrimage site](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167180.pvsNNw8c.UZTM113342.jpg) The Mausoleum of Mohammed ibn Zayed is an important Sufi pilgrimage site |
![Ruins to the west of the Sultan Kala, Merv](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167181.dVdpVKrw.UZTM113345.jpg) Ruins to the west of the Sultan Kala, Merv |
![Mausoleum of Mohammed ibn Zayed](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167182.b0sRKLFi.UZTM113346.jpg) Mausoleum of Mohammed ibn Zayed |
![Walls of the Sultan Qala from Mausoleum of Mohammed ibn Zayed](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167183.JM7dt1x2.UZTM113347.jpg) Walls of the Sultan Qala from Mausoleum of Mohammed ibn Zayed |
![Mausoleum of Mohammed ibn Zayed](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167184.THK8gN5n.UZTM113349.jpg) Mausoleum of Mohammed ibn Zayed |
![Mausoleum of Mohammed ibn Zayed](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167185.cat6qC64.UZTM113350.jpg) Mausoleum of Mohammed ibn Zayed |
![Mausoleum of Mohammed ibn Zayed](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167186.gvO9S8L2.UZTM113351.jpg) Mausoleum of Mohammed ibn Zayed |
![Mausoleum of Mohammed ibn Zayed](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167187.oO65zZf7.UZTM113352.jpg) Mausoleum of Mohammed ibn Zayed |
![European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster), Merv, Turkmenistan](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167188.CivmTZpQ.UZTM113353.jpg) European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster), Merv, Turkmenistan |
![Walls of Merv's 5th walled cits - Bairam Ali Khan Kala, built in the 18th C. near the modern town](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141166978.RAYQf3DB.UZTM113101.jpg) Walls of Merv's 5th walled cits - Bairam Ali Khan Kala, built in the 18th C. near the modern town |
![Billboard with the World Heritage of Turkmenistan](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167189.BvcQ7aRh.UZTM113357.jpg) Billboard with the World Heritage of Turkmenistan |
![Marysyıahat](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167190.1OYZvrHh.UZTM113358.jpg) Marysyıahat |
![Modern house near the ruins of Ancient Merv](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167191.XL1bDDol.UZTM113359.jpg) Modern house near the ruins of Ancient Merv |
![Downtown Merv](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167192.uxfkkw8U.UZTM113361.jpg) Downtown Merv |
![The Turkmenistan Railway passing through Merv](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/141167193.HpPNylQt.UZTM113362.jpg) The Turkmenistan Railway passing through Merv |