Geok-Tepe Fortress

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Geok-Tepe Fortress

The siege of Geok-Tepe Fortress
The siege of Geok-Tepe Fortress

Though relatively recent in construction, having been built in 1869, the Geok-Tepe Fortress holds immense historical significance in the context of Turkmenistan’s past. It stood as the final stronghold in the path of Imperial Russia’s expansion into Central Asia.

Constructed by Russian forces along the Caspian Sea, the fortress served as a strategic base for their military campaigns advancing into Central Asia. Despite the determined resistance from the Tekins, the local inhabitants, the fortress fell to Russian troops in August 1879 after prolonged artillery bombardment. However, their control was short-lived as the Turkmen successfully repelled them back to the Caspian shores.

Geok Tepe
The Russians’ attempts to capture Geok-Tepe continued, but their ultimate conquest was not achieved until December 1880. On this occasion, they returned with a new strategy, digging an underground tunnel beneath the fortress, detonating an explosive charge at the gate, and finally seizing Geok-Tepe. By January 18, 1881, Russian forces had advanced to Ashgabat and established the East-Caspian region, encompassing cities such as Mangyshlak, Kyzyissy, Ashgabat, Tedzhen, and Merv.

Today, Geok-Tepe Fortress stands as a significant historical and architectural landmark. Its imposing presence near the Caspian Sea serves as a lasting testament to the pivotal battle that reshaped the region’s history.

Geok-Tepe Fortress
Geok-Tepe Fortress
Sultan Kala Palace

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