Cultural Site

Ship cemetery at Muynak

The Moynaq Cemetery Ship, also known as the Moynaq Ship Graveyard, is a haunting and symbolic sight located in the town of Moynaq in Uzbekistan
Chantal Martignon

KarakalpakstanUzbekistan • 56 m

Muynak was once an oasis where fishing flourished and the Aral Sea was one of the largest salt lakes in the world. Since the 60s of the last century, the sea has been regularly drained by man, in order to change the direction of the rivers for the irrigation of the fields. 

As a result of this activity, the sea began to die off, exposing the land to a lot of dust and toxic chemicals. The rusting remains of the ships are a landmark that clearly shows the sad consequences of the unreasonable treatment of the Aral Sea. 

The seaport, which once stood on this site, has turned into a ship cemetery, to the ruins of which you can descend and walk along the ancient seabed.

It's important to note that the Aral Sea region continues to face significant environmental challenges, and the state of the ships in the cemetery may change over time. The ships themselves have become subjects of artistic photography and documentaries, attracting visitors who are interested in witnessing the effects of the Aral Sea disaster firsthand.