Merv

Merv is an old city on the Silk Road in the Mary Province of Turkmenistan. There is a state park for the old downtown, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Merv Halal Explorer

The oasis of Merv is in the Karakum Desert at the crossing of the Amu Darya (or Oxus) River and the main route to Bukhara and Samarkand. It occupies an area of 86 x 75 km. The earliest Bronze Age centers in the oasis of Merv date from 2500 BC to 1200 BC. They are in the northern part of the oasis.

The historic urban center developed around 500 BC in the eastern part of the oasis. It consisted of several walled cities, occupying an area of mire than 1200 hectares. The oldest of these cities is Erk Kala. According to the famous trilingual inscription of Darius the Great at Bisitun (Iran) Erk Kala dates back to the Achaemian period (519 to 331 BC). The oasis was part of Alexander the Great's empire. Plinius the Elder reports that the city was founded by Alexander himself. It was rebuilt by the Seleucid king Antiochus I Soter (281 to 261 BC) and named Margiana Antiochia. This urban center is identified with Erk Kala and Giaur Kala and was occupied in the Parthian, Sasanian and early Islamic periods. It is suggested that Greek and Roman soldiers who survived the defeat of the Romans against the Parthians at Carrhae in 53 BC settled at Margiana. Islam was dominant after the death of the last Sasanian King Yazdigird III (651 AD).

The medieval city from the Seljuk period was erected west of the Giaur Kala. It was walled by Sultans Malikshah and Sanjar in the 11th and 12th century. The city extended over more than 600 ha. It was the former capital of the Seljuk Empire (11th to 13th century) and one of the most important cities in this period, and by some accounts the largest city on Earth. It attracted scholars from all over the Islamic world, such as the famous astronomer and poet Omar Khayyam and the geographer Yaqut al Hamavi.

The city was sacked by the Mongol Empire|Mongols in 1221; later (1370-1405) it became part of the empire of Tamerlane. The new city Abdullah Khan Kala was erected by Shah Rukh (1408-1471) on a new site to the south of Giaur Kala.

Travel to Merv

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Merv

Turkmenistan Airlines operates three flights per day from Ashgabat to Mary. If you are short of time, you can fly from Ashgabat to Mary in the morning, visit Merv, and return to Ashgabat in the same evening.

By rail

Turkmenistan Railways has daily train services from Ashgabat, Turkmenabat and Turkmenbasi to Mary.

By car

Between the train station and Sultan Sanjar hotel (at the shared taxi point) and there are a lot of taxi drivers. A drive to and from Merv including visiting several sites of own choice (total 4 hours) cost 150 manat after negotiating (updated August 2023).

What to see in Merv

Mervturkmenistan - Aerial view of Merv

• Mary Museum 37.585497, 61.854500 Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 10:00-17:00 US$1, camera US$5 Exhibits from excavations of Bronze Age Gonur, Merv and Altyn Depe, ethnographic collection on the life of the Turkmen people (carpets, traditional clothes, wedding dress, silver jewellery, complete yurt)

• The Bronze Age Settlements Kelleli, Adji Kul, Tai, Gonur Depe and Togoluk date from 2500 to 1200 BC. They are situated in the Northern part of the oasis. Kelleli 3 and Kelleli 4 have a double external wall with towers and houses. Both sites are poorly preserved, but delivered important information of Margiana in the Middle Bronze Age. Taip illustrates the transition from Middle to Late Bronze Age. Gonur Depe is the largest Bronze Age site in Merv oasis. It covers an area of 55 ha. Excavations have revealed a huge palace, a fire temple and a large necropolis from the Late Bronze Age. Remains of large fortified buildings have been discovered in the excavations at Togoluk.
• The Iron Age Settlements, GPS 37.751363 ,61.998034 - Yaz Depe and GPS 38.066111 ,62.086100 - Takhirbaj Depe, in the northern part of the oasis date from 1200 to 300 BC. Takhirbaj Depe was the most important Iron Age center in this area and was occupied throughout the Achaemenid period. During excavations at Yazd Depe a great number of ceramics was found, providing the basic typology of this period. The well preserved fortress of Gobekli from Parthian-Sasanian times is nearby.

The historic urban center consist of three areas: Erk Kala, Giaur Kala and Sultan Kala.

• Erk Kala 37.669588, 62.192541 - Dates from the 6th century and covers an area of about 20 ha. It consists of a wall and moat. The surviving walls are up to 30 m high.

}}

• Giaur Kala 37.660761, 62.189419 - Dates from around 1000 AD. It is roughly square in plan and its walls are about 2 kilometers long. The Ben Makhan Mosque in the center is hardly recognizable. The Buddhist stupa and monastery in the south east corner of Giaur Kala are considered as the westernmost excavated example.

• Sultan Kala 37.665063, 62.164282 - Dates from the 11th century. Sultan Kala means 'fortress of the sultans'. It is west of Giaur Kala. Merv became the capital of the Seljuk State in the 11th and 12th centuries. In this period the city reached its greatest prosperity. The city was surrounded by a fortication and a moat by order of sultan Melik Shah. The walls of the medieval city and the fortress Shahriyar Ark are 12 kilometers long.

• Mausoleum of Mohammed ibn Zayid 37.666082, 62.145903 - The nearby Mausoleum of Mohammed ibn Zayid was built in the 12th century in honour of Mohammed ibn Zayid, a major representative of the Shiit branch of the Islam and descendant of caliph Ali in the fifth generation. Mohammed ibn Zayid was the head of a revolt against the Omayads in the 8th century. The revolt was suppressed within a year and Mohammed ibn Zayid was killed. The fine Kufi inscription in the chamber and the original decorated brick facade of the prayer hall are especially remarkable. The mausoleum is considered one of the best examples of Islamic architecture.

• Greater and Lesser Kyz Kala
• Abdullah Khan Kala 37.667496, 62.177500 - Abdullah Khan Kala is the fortress erected by Timur's son Shahrukh in the 15th century. The fortress was lined with mud bricks from the outside and had 44 watch towers. The fortifications were surrounded by huge moats up to 30 m wide, filled with water. In the fortress, only few walls of the palace have survived. The walls, however, are of outstanding interest, as they show the evolution of military architecture from the 5th century BC to the 15th/16th century AD.

• The fortresses of Gobleki, Uly Kishman and Garry Kishman formed part of the earthen ramparts, 30 kilometers long, built for protection against invasions from the steppes in the North.

• Geok Tumbaz Mausoluem
• Seljuk Talkhattan Baba Mosque - The magnificent mosque dates from the 12th century.

• The Mausoleums of Imam Bakr and Imam Shafi - In the Talkhattan cemetery.

• Bairamalikhan Kala - The fortress dates from the 18th century. It is a three walled structure adjacent to the western wall of Abdullakhan Kala. The length of the western wall was 750 meters and the northern and southern walls were 500 m long. Only fragments of the southern and northern walls have survived.

• Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar 37.664273, 62.163670 - The Mausoleum was built in the center of the Seljuk city. It is also called 'Dar-al-Akhyre (The Other World). Ajmad Sanjar (1085-1157) was sultan of the Great Seljuq Empire. He was one of the last great Seljuk and was described as brave, generous and chivalrous, a perfect Iranized Turk, defender of the Persian civilization and one of its legendary heroes. At the time of the division of the reign among the sons of Malkikshah he became governor of Khurasan at the age of ten or twelve. His principal residence was Merv. He installed vassal rulers in Transoxania and Afghanistan and became lord of an extensive sultanate in the Iranian East. In 1141, however, Transoxania was conquered by the Kara-Khitai, who had migrated from China to the Issyk Kul. In 1153 tribes of Oghuz rebelled against Sanjar, took him prisoner and plundered Merv. Sanjar freed himself 3 years later and died in 1157. Finally, Sanjar had failed to create a lasting Seljuk state in the Iranian east. During the siege of Merv by the Mongols in 1221 the body of the sultan was reburied in an unknown place. The mausoleum was constructed by order of Sultan Muizeddin Sanjar. Due to the fine brickwork and the carved stucco and the surviving mural paintings it is one of the most outstanding buildings of the Seljuk period.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Merv

• Tekke Bazaar - 4 kilometers out of town Opening Hours: Sun
• New Bazaar - Mollanepes sayoli

Halal Food

• Sachra - Magtymguly köcesi 40 in Mary ☎ +993 522 56177 Shashlik, Turkmen and Russian cooking.

• Altyn Asir Kafe Bar - Gulistan sayoli inear Hotel Sultan Sanjar in Mary ☎ +993 522 39350 Shashlik, Turkmen and Russian dishes.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Merv

Merv - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Merv, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Merv. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Merv and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Merv. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Merv. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inMerv: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Merv.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Merv: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Merv, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Merv.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Merv, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Merv, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Merv and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Merv, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Merv, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Merv without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Merv is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Merv.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Merv is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Merv, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Merv Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

• Hotel Sultan Sanjar Mollanepes sayoli 37.595211, 61.835419 in Mary ☎ +993 522 67644 Checkout: 12:00 US$54 for a normal double room, US$59 for lux double room Former Inturist hotel. Running water only for 2 hours in the morning and 2 hours at night. Terrible standard.

• Hotel Rakhat - Murgab shossesi kilometer 2 a little bit out of the town center of Mary ☎ +993 6026134970 US$20-25
• Hotel Yrsgal Ata Köpek Mergen köcesi 40 37.592338, 61.835097 in Mary ☎ +993 522 5375, +993 522 53842 +993 522 35119 - US$35-45

Travel Next

{{isPartOf|Mary Province