Serakhs

Located near Ashgabat, the historic settlement of Serakhs once thrived as a vital trading hub along the Great Silk Road, situated between Nishapur and Merv. Positioned at the heart of a small oasis along the upper reaches of the Tedzhen River, Serakhs was originally established in the mid-1st millennium B.C. and was surrounded by a fortified pisé wall. This ancient site is now known as «Old Serakhs.»

As the city embraced Islam, it emerged as a prominent commercial center and gained a reputation for its skilled local architects, who were celebrated throughout Central Asia. During the 11th and 12th centuries, Serakhs became a significant center for Sufism, a mystical branch of Islam. The city was home to several esteemed Sufi schools, led by renowned sheikhs, and attracted many educated individuals seeking spiritual enlightenment.

Today, «Old Serakhs» is designated as a state historical and cultural reserve. Among its most notable remnants are four brick mausoleums that still stand as testaments to the city’s rich past. The most prominent of these is the Abul-Fazl Mausoleum, also known as the Mausoleum of Serakhs-Baba or «Serakh Elder,» which is celebrated as a gem of the city. Another significant site is the Yarty-Gyumbez Mausoleum, dating back to the 11th century, which also merits a visit for those interested in exploring Serakhs’ historical and architectural heritage.