Kunya-Urgench

Kunya-Urgench

The ancient city of Kunya-Urgench (Old Urgench) is quite resilient, having been destroyed and re-built seven times.

The ancient capital of Khorezm, which is situated near the mouth of Amu-Darya River, was mentioned in the Behistun legend of Tsar Dary I and in the "Avesta" , the Zoroastrians' sacred book. The date Koneurgench was founded is unknown.

Urgench's name is revered in the history of Central Asia. In the end of the 10th century Urgench ( formely Gurgandzh) was the capital of the thriving Khorezmshakh state in the 10th century, situated in the Amu Darya delta in northern Turkmenistan and western Uzbekistan.
Kunya-Urgench has a favorable geographic location - the crossing of two major caravan routes: east to China, and from the south to the northwest to the Volga River. Expansion into a true center of civilization came quickly. In the early 11th century, Gurgandzh's fame surpassed Bukhara's splendor. Scientists and poets, calling the city "the capital of (a) thousand wise men", flocked there. The ingenious scientist, doctor and philosopher Abu Ali ibn Sina (Avicenna), and the great encyclopaedist, Abu reikhan Berunyi, resided and worked there.

Kunya-UrgenchDuring the13th century, Gurgandzh was the heart of the Islamic World but its governor rebelled against Genghis Khan . Mongols destroyed the famous city. Modern Kunya-Urgench hasn't recovered. In Kunya-Urgench, many historic buildings remain from the Khoresmshakh dynasty. They are examples of Islamic architecture of Central Asia. Many construction designs, rare dome shapes, and purity of color inspire admiration.

Urgench blossomed during Kutlug Timur and his wife Tyurabek-khanym's rule. The most magnificent architectural monuments of Urgench were erected at this time. The first is the mausoleum of Tyurabek-khanym and the minaret of Kutlug-Timur. There are also ancient fortified cities including Devkesen, Shasenem, Zmukshir, Kenevas and others.

Kunya-Urgench is unique with architectural masterpieces that have been entered into the World's Legacy of UNESCO. Turkmenistan archaelogists recently discovered traces of an ancient settlement in today's Koneurgench. During the excavation of a barrow called Kyrkmolla, contours of a powerful antique fortress and ceramics of 6th-7th century AD were found.

The ancient city of Kunya-Urgench (Old Urgench) is quite resilient, having been destroyed and re-built seven times.

The ancient capital of Khorezm, which is situated near the mouth of Amu-Darya River, was mentioned in the Behistun legend of Tsar Dary I and in the "Avesta" , the Zoroastrians' sacred book. The date Koneurgench was founded is unknown.

Urgench’s name is revered in the history of Central Asia. In the end of the 10th century Urgench ( formely Gurgandzh) was the capital of the thriving Khorezmshakh state in the 10th century, situated in the Amu Darya delta in northern Turkmenistan and western Uzbekistan.
Kunya-Urgench has a favorable geographic location - the crossing of two major caravan routes: east to China, and from the south to the northwest to the Volga River. Expansion into a true center of civilization came quickly. In the early 11th century, Gurgandzh’s fame surpassed Bukhara’s splendor. Scientists and poets, calling the city “the capital of (a) thousand wise men”, flocked there. The ingenious scientist, doctor and philosopher Abu Ali ibn Sina (Avicenna), and the great encyclopaedist, Abu reikhan Berunyi, resided and worked there.

During the13th century, Gurgandzh was the heart of the Islamic World but its governor rebelled against Genghis Khan . Mongols destroyed the famous city. Modern Kunya-Urgench hasn’t  recovered. In Kunya-Urgench, many historic buildings remain from the Khoresmshakh dynasty.  They are examples of Islamic architecture of Central Asia. Many construction designs, rare dome shapes, and purity of color inspire admiration.

Urgench blossomed during Kutlug Timur and his wife Tyurabek-khanym’s rule. The most magnificent architectural monuments of Urgench were erected at this time. The first is the mausoleum of Tyurabek-khanym and the minaret of Kutlug-Timur. There are also ancient fortified cities including Devkesen, Shasenem, Zmukshir, Kenevas and others.

Kunya-Urgench is unique with architectural masterpieces that have been entered into the World's Legacy of UNESCO. Turkmenistan archaelogists recently discovered traces of an ancient settlement in today’s Koneurgench. During the excavation of a barrow called Kyrkmolla, contours of a powerful antique fortress and ceramics of 6th-7th century AD were found.