Dashoguz

Travel to Dashoguz, Turkmenistan

Turkmenbashi Statue in Dashoguz
Turkmenbashi Statue in Dashoguz

Dashoguz, also known in the past as Tashauz or Dashkhovuz, is a city located in the northeastern part of Turkmenistan. It serves as the administrative center of the Dashoguz Velayat (region) and has a population of approximately 275,278 people as of 2012.

Historically, the city’s name, Tashauz or Dashkhovuz, is derived from two words: the Turkic «dash» or «tash,» meaning «stone,» and the Arabic «hawz,» meaning «basin.» The name «Stone Basin» reflects the origin of the settlement, which grew around a fortress and a caravanserai with a large stone well in the Turkmen part of the Khorezm region.

According to modern official sources, the city’s name comes from the Oghuz tribal confederation known as «Dash Oghuz,» meaning «Outer Oghuz,» as mentioned in the epic «Dede Korkut.» During the medieval period, the ancient Turkmen Oghuz people were divided into two groups: the «Iç Oghuz» (Inner Oghuz) and the «Dash Oghuz» (Outer Oghuz). Dashoguz was founded in 1681 as a caravanserai, serving as a rest stop for travelers, and was part of the Khorezm state (Khiva Khanate).

In 1873, the Russian Empire launched a campaign against the Khiva Khanate, which led to the defeat of the Khanate and the annexation of Tashauz under the Russian protectorate. It also became the center of the Tashauz Bekstvo (district). In 1920, with the establishment of Soviet rule, Tashauz became part of the Khorezm People’s Soviet Republic. By October 1924, it was included in the Turkmen Soviet Socialist Republic (SSR), first as a district center, later as a regional center from 1939 to 1963, and then again from 1970 onwards. Due to its advantageous geographic location, Tashauz became a key transit point between Moscow and Dushanbe.

During the Soviet era, Tashauz was a highly multicultural city, home to diverse ethnic groups, including Uzbeks, Turkmens, Russians, Kazakhs, Tatars, Koreans, and others. The city also had schools with Russian as the language of instruction, which were known for their strong teaching staff, often descendants of Russian nobility exiled by the Soviet government. In 1992, the city officially changed its name from «Tashauz» to «Dashkhovuz.» Then, in 1999, at the suggestion of the first president of Turkmenistan, Saparmurat Niyazov, the name was further modified to «Dashoguz.»

Dashoguz is situated in the northern part of Turkmenistan, near the ancient capital of Khorezm, Kunya-Urgench. Kunya-Urgench is one of the most significant medieval empires in Central Asia. The city of Gurganj, which became the capital of the Khorezmshahs’ state around 995 AD, was once second in size and importance only to Bukhara, the jewel of the Samanid dynasty. To this day, Kunya-Urgench preserves magnificent architectural monuments, such as the mausoleums of Il Arslan and Khorezmshah Tekesh, dating back to the 12th century.

Among the most important 14th-century landmarks in Kunya-Urgench are the mausoleum of Turabek Khanum, with its intricate mosaic dome, considered a masterpiece of Oriental art with no equal in medieval architecture, and the towering 60-meter-high Kutlug Timur Minaret, the tallest in Central Asia. The region is also home to other impressive ancient fortress cities, including Devkesen, Shasenem, Zmukshir, Kenevas, and many others.

Kunya-Urgench

Located nearly 100 kilometers from the city of Dashoguz and 480 kilometers from Ashgabat lies the ancient city of Kunya-Urgench, also known as Old Urgench. This historic site, which now serves as a state historical and cultural reserve, spans an area of approximately 640 hectares and was established in 1985.

Urgench holds a prominent place in the annals of Central Asian history. In the late 10th century, the city, formerly known as Gurgandzh, became the capital of the vast and flourishing Khorezmshah state. This powerful kingdom controlled the entire Amu Darya delta region, encompassing parts of northern Turkmenistan and western Uzbekistan.

Kunya-Urgench’s location at the crossroads of two significant caravan routes—one leading eastward to China and the other connecting the south with the northwest towards the Volga River—played a vital role in the city’s rapid expansion. This strategic position spurred its transformation into a thriving center of civilization. By the early 11th century, Gurgandzh’s fame had surpassed even that of Bukhara. The city became renowned as «the capital of a thousand wise men,» attracting scholars and poets from across the region. Among them were the brilliant scientist, doctor, and philosopher Abu Ali ibn Sina, better known as Avicenna, and the esteemed encyclopedist Abu Reikhan Berunyi, both of whom lived and worked in Urgench.

Throughout the 13th century, Gurgandzh remained a vital hub of the Islamic world until its ruler defied Genghis Khan. In response, the Mongols obliterated the city, leaving it in ruins. Consequently, modern-day Kunya-Urgench is a shadow of its former glory, with many of its historical structures bearing the scars of this destruction. Despite this, the surviving monuments from the Khorezmshah dynasty offer a glimpse into the rich Islamic architecture of Central Asia. The intricate designs, unique dome structures, and stunningly pure colors of these buildings continue to inspire awe.

Urgench reached its zenith under the rule of Kutlug Timur and his wife, Tyurabek-khanym. During their reign, some of the city’s most remarkable architectural masterpieces were constructed. Chief among these are the mausoleum of Tyurabek-khanym and the towering minaret of Kutlug-Timur. The area is also home to other ancient fortified cities, such as Devkesen, Shasenem, Zmukshir, and Kenevas, each with its own storied past.

Kunya-Urgench is truly a unique location, distinguished by the grandeur and significance of its monuments. The architectural treasures of the city have earned it a place on UNESCO’s World Heritage list, underscoring its global cultural importance.

Sultan Kala Palace

Turkmenistan in 10 days

From$2,600
10 Days / 9 Nights

Discover Ashgabat’s marble architecture
Camp by Darvaza gas crater
Visit Nohur’s tribal cemetery
Tour historical sites in Kunya-Urgench
Explore Merv’s ancient trade center

Explore Turkmenistan’s rich history and natural beauty in this 10-day tour. From the modern marvels of Ashgabat to the ancient ruins of Merv and the breathtaking Darvaza gas crater, experience the country’s diverse landscapes and cultural heritage.
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Around Dashoguz