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.

Williams, T., Campbell, K., Jorayev, G., Wordsworth, P., Jepbarov, R., & Moriset, S. (2018). Semi-fortified Palatial Complexes in Central Asia: New Work at the Great Kyz Kala, Merv, Turkmenistan. Archaeology International, 21(1). https://doi.org/10.5334/ai-395