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.

Francavilla, C. (2019). The site of Shaym Qalʿa, Marw oasis: reconsidering the chain of information. Historia I Świat, (8), 79–90. Internet Archive. https://doi.org/10.34739/his.2019.08.05