Amul Settlement

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Amul Settlement

Medieval fortress of Amul (Lebap, Turkmenistan)
Medieval fortress of Amul (Lebap, Turkmenistan)

Amul, a medieval settlement on the outskirts of modern-day Turkmenabat, stands as a testament to the region’s rich historical tapestry. The strategic location of Amul, like the other four cities—Kelifa, Zemm, Navidakha, and Farap—along the middle course of the Amu Darya River, was largely dictated by its proximity to a convenient crossing point.

The remnants of Amul’s ancient settlement, once a formidable fortress, are situated near the entrance of Turkmenabat, approximately 10 kilometers from the city center. This stronghold served as the residence of Amul’s ruler and has become an object of fascination for many medieval scholars. Notable authors such as Al-Istakhri, Yakut Hamawi, Al-Masudi, Ibn Khordabeh, and Al-Maqdisi have all documented the vibrant bazaars of Amul in their works, highlighting its significance.

The etymology of the name «Amul» remains a mystery. By the late 15th century, the name had largely been replaced by «Chardjou.» However, on European maps from the 18th to 19th centuries, the name «Amul» occasionally reappears. There was another city called Amul in the Mazandaran Province of Tabaristan, Iran, located south of the Caspian Sea. To distinguish it, the Amul on the banks of the Amu Darya was often referred to as Jayhun, Zemm, or Desert Amul, the latter name derived from the treacherous desert road leading from Merv to this city.

The city of Amul was composed of several distinct sections: the Shahristan (the central fortified area), the massive Ark (citadel), and the suburban craft and residential district known as Rabat. Shahristan was a nearly perfect quadrangle covering an area of up to 9 hectares. It was built on a high, multi-layered platform, rising 21 to 24 meters above the surrounding area. The citadel, located in the northwestern corner of the fortress, stood 33 meters tall. The Rabat, which encircled the Shahristan, spanned over 150 to 175 hectares.

Medieval fortress of Amul (Lebap, Turkmenistan)

By the 10th century, Amul had developed into a vast square fortress made of adobe bricks, surrounded by a wide water-filled moat. Each side of the fortress had a gate, facing one of the four cardinal directions, guarded day and night by vigilant warriors, known as Sarbazs. Within the fortress walls, there was a central square, barracks, food warehouses, the residences of the ruler’s relatives and associates, and a palace with a beautifully landscaped garden. A notorious prison, a deep well with a stone bottom where prisoners were held in dire conditions, was also part of the fortress. The areas to the west and east of the fortress were occupied by the homes of merchants and craftsmen.

Following the Arab conquest, Amul experienced a resurgence, becoming one of the largest centers of international trade by the 9th century. The city thrived as an important hub on the Great Silk Road, where caravan routes intersected from west to east (from Merv to Bukhara and onward to China), as well as from north to south (from Gurganj to Balkh and further to India). However, in 1220, the city was devastated by the Mongol invasion.

The next significant chapter in Amul’s history began in the 15th century. For several centuries, it was part of the Emirate of Bukhara, serving as a strategically important crossing point over the Amu Darya. Until the 1920s, the fortress walls surrounding Rabat and the palace of the Chardjui Bek, which towered over the entire city, could still be seen. However, these structures were destroyed following the capture of the city by the Red Army in 1920. Since 1991, Amul has been under the jurisdiction of the Koytendag State Historical and Cultural Reserve.

Today, tourists are drawn to the ruins of the fortress, recognized as a valuable historical and archaeological site. Near Turkmenabat, the Atamurat city-museum offers visitors a glimpse into the region’s rich past, including the mausoleums of Alamberdar and Astana-baba, which continue to be important pilgrimage sites for many believers.

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Turkmenistan in 10 days

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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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