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.

Rhoné-Quer, C. (2022). Évolution urbaine de Merv. Atlas Des Mondes Musulmans Médiévaux, 124–125. https://doi.org/10.4000/13tnv