The Mysteries of Karabil

As you travel through the Karabil Highlands, located in the southernmost part of Turkmenistan within the Tahta-Bazar and Kushka districts, the landscape feels reminiscent of a savanna. Geographers often compare this area to the steppes of North Africa. In spring, tall, dense grass reaches the height of a horse’s knees, while the gentle slopes of the hills are dotted with groves of pistachio trees adorned with clusters of purple and white blossoms.

At the far eastern edge of Karabil, the Murghab River snakes its way through the terrain, often hiding among the hills. As you journey through this region, a sense of anticipation builds, as if something extraordinary is waiting to be discovered.

In this ancient land, you may stumble upon the remnants of early human settlements, encounter fortresses once besieged by Alexander the Great, or explore medieval mausoleums. Yet, the most mysterious sights are the dark entrances carved into the steep, inaccessible banks of the Murghab and Kashan rivers—entrances to enigmatic cave cities. These Karabil caves are shrouded in legends and myths, both modern and ancient, passed down through old manuscripts.

The Karabil caves were masterfully hewn from the rock. Some of them feature multiple levels connected by stairways, with corridors leading to vaulted halls and small chambers—likely monk’s cells. As you navigate these passages, deep, dry wells suddenly appear underfoot, posing a danger to those without adequate lighting or caution.

Who carved these caves, and for what purpose? Were the underground halls used for grand receptions or religious ceremonies? Who sought refuge here, or who was imprisoned within the dark cells? These mysteries remain unsolved, still awaiting researchers and explorers to uncover their secrets.