Overview:

: Gonur Depe is an archaeological site located in Mary Province in Turkmenistan. Excavations of this site have been ongoing since the 1970s and have revealed evidence of a prehistoric settlement dated to the mid-3rd millennium BC. It is the most important archaeological site in the region and is considered to be one of the most significant sites in prehistoric and ancient civilization. The site is very unique in character and contains many interesting finds. Site features include five circular temple structures built of mud and brick, a central stone pillar, steles (engraved stone pillars), a stepped adobe platform, a large, complicated cemetery with multiple levels of burials, a terraced artificial mound, and many artifacts such as pottery and bronze tools. The excavation has revealed a settlement and its culture centered around four distinct cultural periods. It is believed to have been a trading center between the region's various cultures, and a likely hub for religious and political events. The site offers a remarkable insight into the development of early civilizations in Central Asia. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Turkmenistan
Prominent Features:

1. Ancient monumental structures: Gonur Depe is an archaeological site located in Mary, Turkmenistan that was first discovered in 1972. It is filled with incredibly well-preserved remains of an extensive series of monumental architectural structures, including a grand temple complex, a fortification wall, a large multi-roomed palace, and a series of well-designed residential buildings. 2. History: Gonur Depe was once the capital of the Margiana region in Central Asia. It is believed to have been inhabited as early as the 2nd millennium BC. Archaeological evidence suggests it was the center of a thriving Bronze Age civilization and a hub for trade between the East and West. 3. Bronze Age culture: The site offers an amazing insight into the culture, economy and religious beliefs of the Bronze Age civilization of Margiana. Excavations have uncovered numerous bronze idols, pottery artifacts, sculptures and frescoes depicting religious scenes. 4. UNESCO World Heritage Site: Gonur Depe was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, and is now widely recognised as one of the most important archaeological sites in Central Asia. The site has provided remarkable evidence of the cultural and religious practices of the ancient Margians, which provide an insight into the beginnings of early civilisations in the Near East. This national monument of Turkmenistan portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Gonur Depe is an archaeological site located in a remote desert area in western Mary Province, Turkmenistan. This site was first discovered in 1958 by Soviet archaeologists and has since then been extensively excavated. It was established that the settlement dates back to the 3rd millennium BC, which made it one of the earliest large-scale urban centers in Central Asia. Archeological findings suggest that the city is at least 4,500 years old. The Excavations at Gonur Depe have revealed the city's complex planning, indicating advanced architectural concepts. The city has a planned layout, a main wall running through the center of the settlement; the architecture consists of a large number of monolithic constructions and monumental structures. It also has a city wall as well as a dedicated public area for rituals and other activities. The majority of the artifacts uncovered at Gonur Depe are related to the Bronze Age civilization of Central Asia. The artifacts include jewelry, weapons, vessels, and tools made from bronze and other alloys, stone tools, as well as remains from domesticated and wild animals. Some of the findings suggest that the city was engaged in long-distance trade. Gonur Depe is also linked with one of the most important cultural sites of the Bronze Age - the site on which the Assyrian city of Tushpa, located near modern-day Van, was established. The contacts between the two sites are evidenced by various items found at both sites. Today, Gonur Depe is one of the most important archeological sites in Central Asia and it has become a world-renowned destination for scholars and tourists. The site has recently been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. You must visit one of these historical places in Turkmenistan on your Turkmenistan tour

Interesting facts:

1. Gonur Depe is one of the oldest major cities of the world, over 5000 years old. 2. It is located along the ancient Silk Road, near Mary, Turkmenistan. 3. Archaeological exploration at the site first began in the 1970s, and excavations have uncovered evidence of Bronze Age cultures dating back to at least 1200 BCE. 4. The site is the largest and most important archaeological find in Central Asia. 5.Remains of clay pottery, irrigation canals, palaces and other buildings and fortifications have been discovered here. 6.Gonur also shows evidence of trading throughout the ancient world. Artifacts from Tibet, India, China, and Persia have been discovered at the site. 7. Archaeologists believe that a city was located here for many centuries and it has been occupied since the Bronze Age. 8. In 2013 Gonur Depe was included on UNESCO's World Heritage List. Visit one of the famous monuments of Turkmenistan with your friends and family.