Merv Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
city in Turkmenistan
About Merv
The earliest Bronze Age centers in the oasis of Merv date from 2500 BC to 1200 BC. They are in the northern part of the oasis. The historic urban center developed around 500 BC in the eastern part of the oasis. It consisted of several walled cities, occupying an area of more than 1200 hectares. The oldest of these cities isErk Kala. According to the famous trilingual inscription of Darius the Great at Behistun (Iran) Erk Kala dates back to the Achaemenid period (519 to 331 BC). The oasis was part ofAlexander the Great's empire. Pliny the Elder reported that the city was founded by Alexander himself. It was rebuilt by the Seleucid king Antiochus I Soter (281 to 261 BC) and namedMargiana Antiochia. This city is identified withErk KalaandGiaur Kalaand was occupied in the Parthian, Sasanian an
Top Attractions in Merv
Explore the best things to see and do in Merv:
- ★Abdullah Khan Kala
- ★Bairamalikhan Kala
- ★Erk Kala
- ★Geok Tumbaz Mausoluem
- ★Giaur Kala
- ★Greater and Lesser Kyz Kala
- ★Mary Museum
- ★Mausoleum of Mohammed ibn Zayid
Merv Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 8 sections including: