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.

KHODJANIYAZOV, тirkesh, & KURBANOV, A. (2021). BEGINNING OF ISLAM IN CENTRAL ASIA: THE FIRST MOSQUE IN MERV, TURKMENISTAN. Hacettepe Üniversitesi Türkiyat Araştırmaları Dergisi (HÜTAD). https://doi.org/10.20427/turkiyat.961413