Turkmenistan

Mary is the third largest city in Turkmenistan, situated in the Karakum desert. It was an important centre on the Silk Road and the capital of a prosperous Margiana region. The city's name changed several times - Margush Maru, Margiane, Margao and Merv.

During the reign of the Turkmen Seljuk dynasty, Muslim architecture reached its apogee. At that time, the city of Merv was in an exceptional position, as an intellectual and cultural centre, a heritage from previous eras that played an important role.

Excavations at Sultan Kala bear witness to the high standard of urban life. The city is surrounded by the walls of the ancient fortress, in marvellous harmony with the mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar.

After the Mongol invasion, Merv was razed to the ground. Its ruins became sacred, and was given the name of ancient Merv.

Amir Timur's son Shahrukh rebuilt the city and in place of the old Merv, palaces, fortresses and squares were erected.

The most interesting monuments in Merv are the mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar Dar al-Ahira, the Shazriar Arch citadel, the ruins of the Abdullakhan Kala wall (15th century), the ruins of the Bayramalihan-Kala fortress and towers, the ruins of the Kiz-Kala fortress (6th-7th centuries BC), the mausoleums of the Sultans of Merv and Amir Timur and the ruins of the Kiz-Kala fortress (6th-7th centuries AD). ), the mausoleums of al-Hakim ibn Amir al-Jaafari and Buraydah ibn al-Husayn al-Islami (15th century, a place of pilgrimage), the mausoleum of Muhammad ibn Zayd (12th century), the Talhatan Baba complex with the Talhatan Baba mausoleums, the ruins of a Beni Makhan mosque ("Friday mosque", 7th-12th centuries. ), the mausoleum of Kiz-Bibi and numerous remains of baths, palaces, ceremonial halls and other facilities.

Today, Merv is included on UNESCO's World Heritage List as the best-preserved ancient centre on the Great Silk Road.

International airport named after S.Turkmenbashy is on crossing of the international air lines. It has been constructed in 1994. Capacity of air terminal is 1600 passengers per hour. There are two artificial runways equipped on second category ICAO and platform, allowing to accept aircrafts of all types. Annually its services use more than one and a half millions passengers on local and international air-lines. On the area near the station are located stops of a municipal transportation and a taxi, allowing to deliver passengers in any point of capital. There is a round-the-clock parking of cars. For visitors and inhabitants of Turkmenistan in a building of an aerostation complex are located and work in a round-the-clock mode:

- spacious waiting rooms; 
- business club; 
- a mother-and-child room ; 
- help information; 
- the international telecommunication; 
- cash desks on sale and booking of tickets; 
- shops; - restaurants, bars, fast food points; 
- exchanges;
- halls the VIP and CIP;

All services of the airport work in a round-the-clock mode and it creates additional conveniences to passengers. Now at the international airport Ashkhabad are served planes of tens foreign airlines of the world, carrying out both passenger, and cargo air transportations that allows to take off from the airport practically for any city of the world.

Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum is a historically significant site located in Merv, Turkmenistan. It commemorates Sultan Sanjar, a prominent ruler of the Seljuk Empire from 1097 to 1157. The mausoleum is a remarkable example of Islamic architecture from the Seljuk period, characterized by its brick structure, imposing dome, and intricate decorative elements. Merv, the city where the mausoleum is situated, has a rich history dating back to the 6th century BC and served as a vital stop along the Silk Road, facilitating trade between the East and West.

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum holds significant cultural and historical value. Throughout the years, restoration efforts have been made to preserve this architectural gem and protect it from natural elements. The site has also been subject to archaeological excavations, leading to the discovery of valuable artifacts and providing insights into the region's history, culture, and architecture.

Today, the Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum remains a popular tourist attraction, drawing history enthusiasts, architecture admirers, and travelers keen on exploring ancient civilizations. Its historical importance, impressive architectural features, and status as a World Heritage Site make it a captivating destination for visitors from around the world, allowing them to connect with the past and appreciate the legacy of Sultan Sanjar and the greatness of the Seljuk Empire.