Great Kyz Kala

Turkmenistan


This crumbling 7th-century koshk (fortress) outside the walls of Merv is interesting for its ‘petrified stockade’ walls. Constructed by the Sassanians in the 7th century, it was still in use by Seljuq sultans, 600 years later, as a function room.

Great Kyz Kala, along with its pair, Little Kyz Kala, are some of the most symbolic and important structures in western Merv archaeology and they have no analogues anywhere else.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Turkmenistan attractions

1. Little Kyz Kala

0.12 MILES

This 7th century fortress is the pair of nearby Great Kyz Kala. You can clamber into and explore its interior.

2. Margush Archaeological Museum

0.57 MILES

The Margush Archaeological Museum houses a tiny collection of artefacts and old photos, as well as a diorama of the Merv complex.

3. Mausoleum of Mohammed ibn Zeid

0.85 MILES

Like the other Sufi shrines (Gozli-Ata and Kubra), the 12th-century Mausoleum of Mohammed ibn Zeid is an important site for Sufi pilgrims.There’s…

4. Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar

0.87 MILES

The best remaining testimony to Seljuq power at Merv is the 38m-high Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar, located in what was the centre of Sultan Kala. The…

5. Mausoleums of Two Askhab

1.04 MILES

One of the most important pilgrimage sites in Turkmenistan are the mausoleums built for two Islamic askhab (companions of the Prophet), Al-Hakim ibn Amr…

6. Ice House

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One of three ice houses built during the Timurid era.

7. Ice House

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One of three ice houses built during the Timurid era.

8. Koshk

1.56 MILES

Located inside the Shahriyar Ark is this well-preserved koshk (fort) with corrugated walls.

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