Kyzyl-Kala

At the heart of the settlement, a central street led to a temple where Zoroastrian priests conducted their sacred rites, emphasizing the religious importance of the fortress. The residential sections of the fortress were divided by streets into various blocks, each containing several rooms where families resided.

Kyzyl-Kala is a unique architectural relic from the Kushan-Afrigid period of ancient Khorezm’s history. Its strategic location in the middle of the plain served as a sentinel, safeguarding the nearby Toprak-Kala fortress, often considered the jewel of ancient Khorezm. Legend suggests that an underground passage connects Toprak-Kala and Kyzyl-Kala, a plausible notion given that Kyzyl-Kala continued to function until the invasion of Chengiz Khan, as part of the defensive system of the Khorezmshakh State.

The fortress’s robust construction and strategic placement underscore its importance in the defensive network protecting the region. Kyzyl-Kala’s relatively well-preserved state provides valuable insights into the military and residential architecture of the era, reflecting the sophisticated urban planning and defensive strategies employed by the ancient Khorezmians.