Overview:

: Geokdepe Fortress is a fortress located in Turkmenistan, near the border with Afghanistan and Iran. The fortress is of particular importance in Turkmen history, as it was the final stand of the country’s 19th century rulers against the Russian Empire. The site is littered with Ottoman-era cannons, stone walls and a graveyard built to remember those fallen in battle, creating a stark monument to the history of this fascinating region. It has been listed as an UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998 and attracts a small but growing number of visitors each year. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Turkmenistan
Prominent Features:

is a fortress located about 7 km southeast of Ashgabat. It was built around 1818-1822 by order of the prominent military leader Alexander Griboyedov. It served as a garrison and staging point for the Russian army during the Russian occupation of Central Asia from 1881-1917. The fortress is made of mud brick walls and towers, and the structures are in surprisingly good condition. It is one of the last standing remains of the Russian empire in the region. The fortress features many architectural features from this era such as decorative inscriptions, carvings, and an octagonal tower. There is also a church, a bell tower, and a cemetery as part of the fortress. Geokdepe Fortress is a popular tourist attraction and historical site in Turkmenistan. This national monument of Turkmenistan portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Geokdepe Fortress is an ancient fortress located in Turkmenistan, approximately 60 miles west of Ashgabat. The city of Geokdepe is located nearby and the fortress is now part of the Geokdepe Historical and Archeological National Reserve. The fortress was built around 1781 on the orders of local ruler, Khivan Mirza, during a time of conflict between the Qajar dynasty and the Afsharids of Afghanistan. The fortress was originally built using mud and clay walls, but was later rebuilt using stone for increased durability. The walls were high and thick to make the fortress difficult to attack. The fortress also contained two gates, one in the west and one in the east, and numerous towers, making it an impressive sight for travellers of the time. From 1881 until 1885, the fortress was used as the administrative centre of the Russian Empire's Turkmen expeditionary force. During this time, the garrison contained Russian Cossacks and numerous smaller regiments. The fortress saw a variety of action during this time as well, including skirmishes with local tribes. After the October Revolution of 1917, the fortress fell into disrepair and was slowly forgotten. When the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, Turkmenistan declared independence and the national reserve containing Geokdepe Fortress was established. Today, the fortress remains a popular tourist attraction, visited often by locals and tourists alike. You must visit one of these historical places in Turkmenistan on your Turkmenistan tour

Interesting facts:

1. Geokdepe Fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the east of Turkmenistan. 2. It was constructed by the Turkmen on a hilltop around the fifth century BC. 3. The fortress was a military stronghold and a palace, but was destroyed by an earthquake in 1804. 4. Geokdepe Fortress is considered one of the oldest fortifications of the Silk Road. 5. The local Turkmen tribe of the ancient city of Merv used the fort as a refuge during times of war and invasions. 6. The fortress is unique in its design, with 11 towers and 3 gates. 7. An impressive Iron Age temple was located inside the fortress, and many treasures from the period have been discovered. 8. Archaeological artifacts uncovered at the site include coins, pottery, and sculptures. 9. The fortress was reconstructed in the mid-1990s for historical preservation, and visitors can now take guided tours through the structure. Visit one of the famous monuments of Turkmenistan with your friends and family.