Publications
Brass in the Sasanian frontiers: Assessing metallurgical innovation through archaeological finds at Merv and Nineveh
Scientific analysis reveals the Sasanian Empire's sophisticated use of brass, challenging long-held assumptions about its limited adoption before the Islamic period. Through archaeological finds from Merv (Turkmenistan) and Nineveh (Iraq), researchers identified high-quality brass alloys employed in both decorative and military applications, alongside traditional bronze. Advanced techniques like XRF, SEM-EDS, and radiography distinguished early cast forms—likely chosen for their visual appeal—and sheet forms, which capitalized on brass's material advantages. The study suggests a strategic shift toward brass in Sasanian military metalworking, offering new insights into technological innovation during this pivotal era.
Tracing glass production in urban centers along the Silk Roads in the early Islamic period
By the 9th century, the globalized glass trade of the early Islamic period had fragmented into localized production centers along the Silk Roads. Elemental analysis of glass from Merv (Turkmenistan) reveals a shift away from long-distance raw material transport toward decentralized, urban-based manufacturing, producing distinct compositional groups. This transformation challenges the notion of a unified trade system, instead highlighting regional adaptability and diversity in glass production during this pivotal era.
Iranian, Afghan or Central Asian? Patterns of mobility among Persianate Jews in the 19th and early 20th centuries
Nineteenth-century Persian Jews were not isolated but part of interconnected yet distinct communities, with mobility patterns involving Central Asian, Afghan, and Iranian Jews shaping their identities. This study challenges traditional notions of 'center' and 'periphery,' highlighting Merv's role as a hub for Jewish trade, marriage, and cultural exchange. By analyzing interactions with local tribes, governors, and religious authorities, the research reveals how Persian-speaking Jews contributed to socio-economic environments across regions, offering new insights into transregional community formation and global history.
Merv khans (using the materials of the 19th c.)
A detailed chronology of the Merv khans' rule during the 19th century reveals that power was collectively managed by tribal leaders, often through joint decisions called maslahat. Despite frequent disagreements among local rulers, socio-political challenges in this turbulent period necessitated unity, leading to the emergence of common leaders. The study leverages a diverse range of sources—Turkmen, Persian, Khiva, Russian, and European—to reconstruct the political landscape using historical-comparative methods. This approach not only clarifies the sequence of khan administrations but also provides insight into the contributions of these leaders to Turkmen history, avoiding misinterpretations of past events.
Merv through the eyes of Nazirov lieutenant
A rare reconstruction of the 1882 Merv expedition led by Lieutenant Nazirov, long overlooked in historical records, reveals new insights into the geopolitical dynamics and cultural atmosphere of Central Asia during Russian expansion. By analyzing Nazirov's reports—'Routing Description of the Path,' 'Report on Lieutenant Nazirov’s trip to Merv,' and supplementary accounts from World Illustration—alongside historiographical works, researchers filled critical gaps in documentation using historical-comparative analysis. The study highlights the expedition's strategic significance following the 2nd Akhal-Teke campaign, which secured Ahal but left Merv independent, offering a nuanced portrayal of the era's complexities.
Musical instruments from the period of antiquity found on the territory of Turkmenistan (artifacts of Margush, ancient Merv and old Nisa)
Archaeological excavations at Margush, Ancient Merv, and Old Nisa in Turkmenistan have uncovered artifacts depicting musical instruments from antiquity, offering unprecedented insights into the cultural and social life of ancient Turkmen societies. These findings reveal intricate details about the musical traditions, craftsmanship, and artistic expressions of past civilizations, while also highlighting their connections to broader regional and global cultures. The study emphasizes the significance of these artifacts as a unique source for understanding the historical depth and complexity of Turkmenistan's heritage.
The Battle of Merv and Its Importance
A pivotal moment in Central Asian history, the Battle of Merv (1501), marked the decisive clash between Shaybani Khan's Turan and Ismail Safavi's Iran, reshaping regional power dynamics. The study reveals that Shaybani Khan's defeat stemmed from strategic miscalculations and logistical vulnerabilities, while the aftermath solidified Safavid dominance in Central Asia. Analyzing political tensions of the early 16th century, this research dissects the battle's causes, factors behind Shaybani's downfall, and its lasting implications on the region, offering a nuanced perspective on a defining conflict in UNESCO-listed Merv's history.
Évolution urbaine de Merv
Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Central Asia (modern-day Turkmenistan), showcases a dynamic urban evolution shaped by its strategic location along the Silk Road and within the Murghāb River delta. This study reveals that Merv's oasis has been continuously inhabited since the Bronze Age, with successive cities emerging as early as the 5th century BCE. The research highlights how Merv's urban development was influenced by its geographical setting in the Qaraqum Desert, providing insights into the resilience and adaptability of ancient settlements in arid environments. By analyzing historical and archaeological data, the study reconstructs Merv's urban trajectory, offering a nuanced understanding of its role as a crossroads of trade and culture during the medieval Islamic period.
Orta Çağda Merv Kütüphaneleri
Merv, a historic city in Central Asia, emerged as a pivotal center of learning and culture during the Islamic Golden Age. Strategically located along the Great Silk Road and nourished by fertile lands, Merv served as the administrative heart of Khurasan under Abbasid rule before transitioning to Seljuk dominance. The study highlights its significance as a hub for libraries that attracted scholars and travelers from across the Islamic world, shaping regional civilization. By analyzing historical records, this research underscores Merv's enduring legacy in Turkish-Islamic history, offering insights into medieval governance, urban development, and intellectual exchange.
Beginning of Islam in Central Asia: The First Mosque in Merv, Turkmenistan
Archaeological research has identified the location and structure of the first mosque in Central Asia, dating back to the second half of the 7th century in ancient Merv (Gyaur-kala), Turkmenistan. This discovery was made through analysis of medieval sources and topographical works from the 1950s, followed by excavations led by M. Masson and later T. Khodjaniyazov in the 1960s. The mosque, known as Beni Makhan Mosque, was built of clay bricks but has been largely destroyed over time. Remnants of its original structure, including a corner minaret and parts of the eastern and southern walls, survive from this early Islamic period. The mosque underwent significant rebuilding in the 11th-12th centuries during the Seljuk era, resulting in an irregular rectangular plan with three minarets.
The study of the summer avifauna of Mary, Republic of Turkmenistan
A study conducted in the summer of 2020 identified 30 bird species in Mary, Turkmenistan, highlighting the region's diverse avifauna within urbanized landscapes. These species belonged to 13 orders and 19 families, offering insights into their ecological and biological characteristics, including feeding habits and territorial attachment. The research focused on four key areas: Bagtyyaarlyk Seilgakhi park, the Murgab river embankment, residential zones, and the historical settlement Ancient Merv. This study contributes to understanding the impact of urbanization on bird diversity in Central Asia, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts to sustain these ecosystems.
Turkmens of Akhal-Teke and Merv Within the Context or Relations Between Frontier Administrations of the Russian Empire (1870s-1880s)
A conflict between Russian frontier administrations weakened imperial influence over Turkmen tribes in the Eastern Caspian region during the late 19th century. The study reveals that disputes over authority between the Caucasus and Turkestan administrations, compounded by personal ambitions of regional leaders, led to a decline in Russian control. While the Khivan Khanate briefly extended suzerainty over Akhal-Teke and Merv with mixed Russian approval, the lack of clear power distribution and administrative infighting undermined coherent imperial policy. The research analyzes correspondence, official records, and contemporary observations to demonstrate how these tensions allowed local elites to exploit divisions for their own interests. Central intervention and leadership changes eventually resolved the conflict but highlighted systemic challenges in managing frontier regions.
Merv and Margiana
Archaeological exploration of the Merv oasis reveals that the Hellenistic period in Margiana was characterized by fortified structures and urban development, challenging conventional interpretations based on classical citations. The study identified physical remains of walls possibly representing a fortified enclosure around the oasis, as referenced by Strabo, and examined the fortifications of ancient city sites like Erk Kala and Gyaur Kala. By analyzing material culture, researchers also assessed the chronology of urban occupation, providing new insights into the region's Hellenistic landscape.
Outils stratégiques et techniques pour la conservation des sites archéologiques en terre
The State Historical and Cultural Park 'Ancient Merv' presents a unique record of urban settlement spanning four millennia, with its cities and monuments offering unparalleled insights into architectural evolution, technological advancements, and cultural exchanges along the Silk Road. The site's significance lies in its preserved Bronze Age centers, Seljuk mausolea—including the masterpiece Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar—and characteristic corrugated mudbrick structures, all vulnerable to ecological change. Strategic conservation efforts, documented since the late 19th century, highlight Merv's role as a technological and intellectual hub, associated with figures like Omar Khayyam and Yaqut al-Khamavi. The study emphasizes the need for urgent preservation due to irreversible environmental impacts.
The rise of the early urban civilization in southwestern Central Asia
South Turkmenistan emerged as a significant ancient farming region and northern outpost of the East, playing a pivotal role in the rise of early urban civilization in southwestern Central Asia. Archaeological evidence from Neolithic to Early Bronze Age sites (ca. 3300–2350 BC) reveals that this area's rapid development during the Middle Chalcolithic, Late Chalcolithic, and Early Bronze Age laid the foundation for large proto-urban centers in the Middle Bronze Age. The Murghab delta's intensification of interregional contacts during the late 3rd millennium BC, part of the Bactria-Margiana Archaeological Complex (BMAC), was driven by advanced technical, technological, and cultural development, as well as the influx of new population groups. Gonur Depe, a notable center from this period, functioned as an administrative, religious, production, and trade hub, mirroring later developments in Ancient Merv.
Central Asian köshks from the Islamic period before the Mongol conquest: fortified, semi-fortified or unfortified?
Recent research challenges the assumption that Central Asian köshks, characteristic buildings with corrugated outer walls dating from the 7th to 13th centuries AD, were exclusively fortified structures. While these buildings exhibit features suggesting defensibility, they lack key elements typical of military architecture, indicating a shift in function over time. Unlike earlier pre-Islamic structures that served military roles, Islamic-period köshks primarily functioned as residential spaces. However, the Great Kyz Kala at Merv, Turkmenistan, stands out as an exception, retaining its defensive capacity longer than other köshks, according to findings from the UCL Institute of Archaeology Ancient Merv Project. This study compares defensive elements across different periods to trace the evolution of these structures, providing insights into their dual residential and military roles during the Islamic period.
Correlated Change: Comparing Modifications to Ceramic Assemblages from Qizlar Qalʾeh, Iran, and Ancient Merv, Turkmenistan, during the Seleucid and Parthian Periods
A comparative analysis of ceramic assemblages from Qizlar Qalʾeh, Iran, and ancient Merv (modern Gyaur Kala), Turkmenistan, reveals correlated technological developments during the Seleucid and Parthian periods. Both sites exhibit similar innovations in vessel repertoires and production techniques, suggesting a shared cultural environment, particularly during the Early Parthian period. While these changes point to a common Hellenistic influence, local ceramic traditions persisted, demonstrating adaptability under foreign rule. Quantitative and archaeometric analyses were employed to assess modifications in assemblage composition and manufacturing techniques, providing insights into the neighborhood relations between eastern Iran and western Central Asia.
Tahribatsız yöntemlerle tarihsel yapılarda ayrışmanın belirlenmesi: Türkmenistan'ın Merv şehrine ait uygulama
Non-destructive testing of historical structures at Merv, Turkmenistan, reveals significant structural weaknesses and deterioration. Using ultrasonic velocity measurements and crack depth analysis, researchers classified two towers as 'weak' and two mausoleums as 'poor' according to international standards. Compressive strength varied between 2-8 MPa in towers and 20 MPa in mausoleums, indicating differential degradation likely caused by northwest winds and historical restoration practices. These findings highlight the potential for targeted preservation strategies that could reduce structural reinforcement costs while safeguarding Merv's architectural heritage.
The site of Shaym Qalʿa, Marw oasis: reconsidering the chain of information
Recent archaeological evidence challenges the long-held belief that Shaym Qalʿa, near Marw oasis in Turkmenistan, was primarily a 11th–12th century Seljuk military camp. Analysis of new findings suggests the site dates back to the 8th century, aligning it with Early Islamic military installations (mir). This reassessment contradicts earlier hypotheses and supports claims by Yakubovskii and Bosworth regarding Marw's historical significance during this period. The study cross-references ancient texts by al-Muqaddasi and al-ʿAbari to re-evaluate Shaym Qalʿa's role, integrating historical records with archaeological data for a more nuanced understanding of the site's transition from Sasanian to Islamic rule.
Semi-fortified Palatial Complexes in Central Asia: New Work at the Great Kyz Kala, Merv, Turkmenistan
Recent archaeological work at the Great Kyz Kala, Merv, Turkmenistan, has revealed that this monumental köshk—a semi-fortified palatial complex—served as an elite suburban residence, likely for the governor of Merv. Constructed in the 8th/9th century CE, the complex features well-appointed rooms on its second storey, including a large hall, and functional spaces around an internal courtyard on the lower floor. Surrounded by gardens and possibly ancillary buildings within an enclosure, this discovery provides new insights into the architectural and social dynamics of Central Asian palatial complexes. The study employed systematic excavations to document construction details and usage patterns, offering a deeper understanding of these understudied monuments.
Ceramics of the Merv Oasis
A comprehensive analysis of Sasanian pottery from the UNESCO World Heritage Site, State Historical and Cultural Park 'Ancient Merv,' reveals significant insights into the social and economic dimensions of the Sasanian Empire (224-651 AD). Puschnigg's study catalogs hundreds of securely excavated ceramic pieces, comparing them with previously inaccessible Russian research to establish a benchmark for future studies. This detailed examination provides a typology of shapes and wares, enhancing our understanding of Merv's role as a critical Silk Road hub and its cultural exchanges between east and west.
Religious Landscape of the Ancient Merv Oasis
The religious landscape of the Ancient Merv Oasis, spanning from the mid-second century BC to the mid-seventh century AD, reveals a dynamic and diverse tapestry of faiths. This study demonstrates that Merv served as a significant crossroads for multiple religions, including Zoroastrianism, Christianity, Judaism, Manichaeism, and Buddhism, attracting adherents and missionaries from various parts of the ancient world. The research synthesizes extensive historical and archaeological evidence to illustrate how Merv's strategic location within the Iranian oecumene facilitated its role as a melting pot of cultural and religious influences during the Parthian and Sasanian periods. By analyzing textual sources alongside material culture, the study reconstructs the complex interplay between these faiths, shedding light on their coexistence and competition in one of history's most pivotal regions.
Selçukluların ilk dönemlerinde Merv Şehri ve önemi (1035-1092)
Merv, a city of strategic and cultural significance spanning from antiquity to the medieval period, played a pivotal role during the early Seljuk era (1035-1092). This study reveals that Merv served as both a political and military hub for the Seljuks, shaping their state's foundational principles. Under Çağrı Bey, it flourished as a center of trade along the Silk Road, uniting regions like Horasan, Batı Türkistan, and Mavera politically and culturally. However, neglect in later periods led to its decline, with lasting consequences for the Seljuks. The research employs historical analysis to highlight Merv's enduring importance, advocating for its revitalization today.
Merv, an archaeological case-study from the northeastern frontier of the Sasanian Empire
Archaeological evidence from Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the northeastern frontier of the Sasanian Empire, reveals how the empire effectively managed its resources across regions. By analyzing the oasis, city, and urban economy of Merv, researchers demonstrate that cross-regional comparisons with other Sasanian territories—such as Gorgan and Mesopotamia—shed new light on state-level resource management strategies. The study leverages recent archaeological findings to challenge or refine existing narratives about the empire's administrative and economic organization.
The importance of Silk Road, and Merv in the great Seljuk state's commercial life
The Great Seljuk State's commercial policies, centered around the Silk Road and Merv, significantly advanced trade and economic welfare nearly a thousand years ago. This study reveals that the Seljuks not only protected the Silk Road but also prioritized facilitating transit caravans and providing necessary resources for merchants. By analyzing commercial policies, the role of the Silk Road in trade, and Merv's contributions as a commercial hub, the research highlights the Seljuks' strategic approach to commerce. The findings, derived from Turkmen sources primarily written in Cyrillic, suggest that modern developed nations could learn valuable lessons from these historical practices.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Photography: Exploring the Medieval City of Merv, on the Silk Roads of Central Asia
Aerial survey technology revolutionizes the study of Merv, revealing unprecedented details of its medieval Islamic cityscape. The Ancient Merv Project employed Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to capture systematic vertical photographs, offering a comprehensive view of this Silk Road metropolis's ruins. This approach enabled precise analysis of urban structures and spatial organization, overcoming traditional survey limitations. Initial findings highlight the potential for UAVs in archaeological documentation, particularly in protecting and conserving World Heritage Sites like Merv. The collaboration between Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Culture and UCL Institute of Archaeology demonstrates how modern technology can enhance our understanding of historic cities while supporting their preservation efforts.
A New Application of Fiber-Optic Reflection Spectroscopy (FORS): Characterization of Low-Temperature Alteration of Chlorite Schist and Implications for Understanding Ancient Stone Cooking Vessels
Fiber-optic reflection spectroscopy (FORS) emerges as a groundbreaking tool for detecting low-temperature thermal alterations in chlorite schist, a material used in ancient stone cooking vessels. Traditional techniques like X-ray diffraction and FT-IR spectroscopy fail to capture these subtle changes, which occur below 450 °C without crystalline modification. This study demonstrates FORS's potential by analyzing medieval (12th-13th centuries AD) chlorite cooking pots from Merv, Turkmenistan, against experimental reference specimens. The findings reveal that FORS can track oxidation state and structural alterations, offering new insights into the thermal history of ancient artifacts. This innovation opens avenues for understanding past cooking practices and the temperatures attained by these vessels during use.
A preliminary study of visitors to ancient Merv (Turkmenistan)
A preliminary study of visitors to the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'State Historical and Cultural Park Ancient Merv' reveals that Sufi-inspired Islam, integrated into Turkmen tribal society over more than 100 years, remains a vibrant cultural force for an undetermined portion of the population. The research explores visitor profiles, distinguishing between those drawn by historical significance and others motivated by pilgrimage, while also assessing their perceptions of site management in a context where tribal traditions and Islamic practices play a central role. This study provides initial insights into the enduring influence of Sufism on Turkmen identity and its implications for heritage conservation.
Should the UK be nominating More World Heritage Sites?
This article challenges the UK's approach to nominating World Heritage Sites, questioning its practicality and ethical implications amid shifting political and economic landscapes. It synthesizes insights from analyses of Tentative List Review processes for English Heritage, responses to DCMS consultations, and work on nominations like the Twin Monastery of Wearmouth and Jarrow, alongside management plans for sites such as Ancient Merv in Turkmenistan. While acknowledging the ideals behind the World Heritage concept, the author expresses doubts about its implementation, aiming to provoke further discussion on the matter.
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