Major Mary Attraction

Mary is a relatively new city, which explains the absence of ancient monuments within its limits. However, the city proudly showcases several significant landmarks, including monuments dedicated to Turkmen poets and educators Mollanepes, Kemin, and Makhtumkuli. There is also the Eternal Fire monument, honoring those who fought in the Great Patriotic War and the Afghan conflict (1979-1989), along with monuments symbolizing «Motherland» and «Eternal Glory.»

Yet, what truly sets Mary apart for travelers is the wealth of archaeological and architectural treasures found in its surroundings, most notably the ruins of the world-famous ancient city of Merv. This historic site, known by various names such as Margush, Margiana, and Maru, once served as the capital of the thriving Margiana region and was a major hub on the Great Silk Road long before the Common Era.

Merv is a dream destination for travelers fascinated by ancient cultures and lost civilizations. The site is home to the remains of at least five ancient cities from different periods, although much of what once stood there is now in a state of ruin. Only history books and works of Oriental literature can fully convey the former grandeur of these structures. For example, in the classic «One Thousand and One Nights,» Merv is depicted as a key administrative and cultural center of the Arab Caliphate. Historical chronicles have referred to it as «the mother of cities of Khurasan» and «the city on which the Universe rests.»

Merv, the largest archaeological site in Central Asia, played a pivotal role in the exchanges along the Silk Road for over 2,000 years. Its vast archaeological park, spanning 1,200 hectares, offers visitors a rare opportunity to explore the diverse elements of what was once known as the «wandering city.»

This site is essentially a collection of neighboring cities that evolved over time, representing the natural progression of Merv from its earliest stages to more advanced periods of development. These cities can be broadly categorized into ancient (Erk-Kala and Gyaur-Kala), medieval (Sultan-Kala and its suburbs), and post-medieval (Abdullah-Khan-Kala and Bayram-Ali-Khan-Kala) eras.

In addition to the ancient city ruins, Merv is also renowned for its 6th-9th century forts, the Great and Small Kyz-Kalas, which are exemplary of the «corrugated buildings» style. The site is further enriched by the 12th-century mausoleums of Sultan Sanjar and Muhammad ibn-Zayd, which stand as remarkable examples of the intricate brickwork and architectural artistry of the Seljuk period.

Through these enduring monuments, Mary serves as a gateway to the timeless history and culture preserved in the ruins of Merv, inviting travelers to step back in time and experience the echoes of a once-great civilization.