Overview:

is an impressive ancient fortification, situated in the capital city of Turkmenabat. It was originally built in the 9th century and it has a fascinating history linked to war and conquest by Khorezm rulers. The fortress served as a defensive fortification against invading forces, which includes Genghis Khan's army in 1220. The fortress also played an important role in the fortification of the Silk Road, and it still stands today as a reminder of Turkmenistan's past. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Turkmenistan
Prominent Features:

The Khorezm Fortress (also known as the Old Citadel) is located in the city of Turkmenabat in the province of Lebap, Turkmenistan. It is one of the oldest and most important historic sites in the country, and has served as an important defensive stronghold since the 9th Century AD. The fortress is made up of three layers of protective walls and a large ditch surrounding the walls. The first layer of the walls is constructed of bricks, and the innermost walls are built with a combination of clay and limestone. The ditch is considered to be the oldest part of the fortress, and is estimated to date back to at least the 8th century. The fortress also houses several buildings, including a mosque, two madrasahs, the former home of the Aral Sea Warlords, a caravanserai, and several traders’ houses. The mosque is the most prominent and important structure in the fortress, as it contains many ancient Islamic motifs and decorations. The madrasahs served as a school for Islamic learning, and the caravanserai and traders’ houses provided rest for travelers and merchants on the ancient Silk Road trading route. The fortress continues to be a major tourist attraction in Turkmenistan, providing a fascinating glimpse into the country’s rich history and culture. This national monument of Turkmenistan portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Khorezm Fortress, located in Turkmenistan, is an ancient fortress that has existed since at least the 5th century BC. The fortress has seen multiple stages of construction and reconstruction, and today stands as a testament to the centuries’-old city of Khorezm. The fortress was built over 400 years ago by the town's ruler, Sultan Mahmud-Rauf. At this time Khorezm was a prosperous city on the Silk Road, a major trade route between Europe and Asia. The fortress walls served to protect the citizens from neighbours who threatened their safety and security during times of war. In 1617, the town was conquered by Iranian invaders who destroyed most of the city in the process. However, the fortress remained largely unmoved and was soon rebuilt as part of the rebuilt Khorezm. In 1873, the Russian Empire annexed Khorezm and a new fortress was built which stands to this day. This fortress was slightly different from the original in that it is surrounded by a moat and contains five prominent towers which were created for better military defense. The fortress served as a prominent base of operations during Soviet rule in the 20th century and provided a hardline defense against potential enemy forces. After the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, the fortress fell into disrepair as funds were shifted elsewhere. In more recent years, efforts have been undertaken to restore the fortress and its structural integrity and to make it more accessible to visitors. Today, the fortress stands as a symbol of the city’s ancient history and its importance to the Silk Road. You must visit one of these historical places in Turkmenistan on your Turkmenistan tour

Interesting facts:

1. The Khorezm fortress of Turkmenabat, located in western Turkmenistan, dates back to at least the 11th century. 2. The perimeter of the fortress is approximately 5 km in length and covers an area of 110 hectares, making it one of the largest fortresses in Central Asia. 3. It was originally built as a military fortress, and served as the main defensive stronghold for the rulers of Khorezm for centuries. 4. According to an Italian explorer from 1635, the main walls of Khorezm were some 15-20 metres high and surrounded by two dry moats. 5. The fortress has an inner citadel, or ‘Ichan-Kala’, with two gates that protected the palace, where the ruling elite are said to have lived. 6. Within its walls, the fortress complex includes numerous religious buildings, such as mosques, madrassas, minarets and tombs. 7. The oldest part of the complex is thought to be from the 11th century, and includes a large number of interesting wall paintings and frescoes. 8. The fortified town had watchtowers at regular intervals, and a deep moat was dug around the perimeter to protect it from attackers. 9. The original fortress was destroyed in 1726 by the forces of the Persian king Nadir Shah. 10. It was rebuilt in 1884 as a small fortress, but parts were destroyed once again during Soviet rule. 11. Today, the fortress remains a well-conserved settlement, and is a popular tourist attraction, with visitors keen to explore its bustling old bazaar and nearby historical monuments. Visit one of the famous monuments of Turkmenistan with your friends and family.