In the southeastern corner of Giaur Kala, a distinct mound marks the site of a Buddhist stupa and monastery, which was still functioning in the early Islamic era. The head of a Buddha statue was found here, making Merv the westernmost point to which Buddhism spread at its height. However, the stupa has been re-covered in earth to preserve it, meaning there's nothing to see.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
1.98 MILES
The best remaining testimony to Seljuq power at Merv is the 38m-high Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar, located in what was the centre of Sultan Kala. The…
19.52 MILES
This museum is housed in a sparkling white-marble palace across the river from the centre of town. The enormous premises is home to a collection of…
2.48 MILES
This crumbling 7th-century koshk (fortress) outside the walls of Merv is interesting for its ‘petrified stockade’ walls. Constructed by the Sassanians in…
1.45 MILES
One of the most important pilgrimage sites in Turkmenistan are the mausoleums built for two Islamic askhab (companions of the Prophet), Al-Hakim ibn Amr…
Mausoleum of Mohammed ibn Zeid
2.96 MILES
Like the other Sufi shrines (Gozli-Ata and Kubra), the 12th-century Mausoleum of Mohammed ibn Zeid is an important site for Sufi pilgrims.There’s…
19.22 MILES
Pokrovskaya Church, a handsome red-brick affair, was built in 1900. The church is surrounded by pleasant parkland and its interior is crammed with…
1.24 MILES
South of Sultan Kala and Giaur Kala, this is one of three ice houses built during the Timurid era. The giant freezers, made from brick and covered by a…
2.27 MILES
North of the Shahriyar Ark, outside the city walls, lies the Mosque of Yusuf Hamadani, built around the tomb of a 12th-century dervish. The complex has…
Nearby Turkmenistan attractions
1.24 MILES
South of Sultan Kala and Giaur Kala, this is one of three ice houses built during the Timurid era. The giant freezers, made from brick and covered by a…
1.45 MILES
One of the most important pilgrimage sites in Turkmenistan are the mausoleums built for two Islamic askhab (companions of the Prophet), Al-Hakim ibn Amr…
1.98 MILES
The best remaining testimony to Seljuq power at Merv is the 38m-high Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar, located in what was the centre of Sultan Kala. The…
1.99 MILES
Located inside the Shahriyar Ark is this well-preserved koshk (fort) with corrugated walls.
2.27 MILES
North of the Shahriyar Ark, outside the city walls, lies the Mosque of Yusuf Hamadani, built around the tomb of a 12th-century dervish. The complex has…
2.4 MILES
This 7th century fortress is the pair of nearby Great Kyz Kala. You can clamber into and explore its interior.