Early this morning we flew 1 1/2 hours from Tashkent which is in the north eastern part of the country – close to the Kazakhstan border – to Urgench in the west, and close to Turkmenistan.
Arriving in Urgench we boarded our bus and set off on extremely bumpy roads. Crossing over the Amu Darya river surrounded with cotton fields; farther on we entered a more desert and arid landscape in the autonomous republic within Uzbekistan of Karakal Pakstan.
Our first destination was the ancient fortress ruins of Toprak Kala. Built in the 3rd century, the fortress was used as the residence of khorezmshakhs – governors of the country- up to 305 A.D. For a time Toprak Kala was the capital of the Khwarazm Empire. Many fierce wars forced the governors to leave, and the city gradually fell into decay.
This area is dotted with over 300 desert Kalas/fortresses, constructed from 2,000 years ago up to destruction by the Mongols in the 13th century. The area is known as the “fifty fortresses oasis,” that were once part of the Khwarazm region.
Kyzyl kala, also Qyzyl Qala (Red Fortress) built in 1st to 4th century AD was a medieval trading settlement on the Silk Road. It has been partially renovated to show how it was originally constructed.
We had another home-cooked lunch at the Ulli Khovli Complex, a 17th century fortress built by the permission of Khiva Khan. Afterwards we toured the complex and learned about the culture of the Turkmen people. I particularly loved a photographic display,
Such an interesting trip! Love the pic of you & Dennis! I also love the concept of eating in local homes; can hardly wait for the details.
Tomorrow Suzanne and I are off to Springy with the pups.