Top Things to do in Kunya-Urgench
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10 Things to do in Kunya-Urgench That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Kunya-Urgench, Turkmenistan including Nedjmeddin Kubra Mausoleum, Kunya-Urgench - UNESCO World Heritage Site, Konye Urgenc, Kutlug Timur Minaret, Turabek Khanum Mausoleum, Il Arslan Mausoleum, Gate of the Caravanserai, Kyrk Molla, Sultan Tekesh Mausoleum, Seyit Ahmet.
1. Nedjmeddin Kubra Mausoleum
2. Kunya-Urgench - UNESCO World Heritage Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
Reviewed By PandaHouston - Houston, United States
We came here as part of a 3 day / 2 night tour with Owadan Tour (see separate review - highly recommend them). After we were picked up at the Dashoguz border, we came here for a quick tour. We spent 1 hour here. The entrance fee is 21 manats per person and another 7 manat for camera fee. The area is not small and we had to be driven from one area to the next. The buildings have been nicely restored.
3. Konye Urgenc
4. Kutlug Timur Minaret
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By JGDynamo - Canada, null
It’s hard to miss the Minaret of Kutlug Timur in Kunye Urgench it’s the tallest structure in the area and largest in Central Asia whose calls to worship in the past must have been heard for miles around. The climb to the top is rewarding with surreal desert views all around.
5. Turabek Khanum Mausoleum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By andrewmU2655XD
The Turabek Khanum Mausoleum is the first attraction that you will see in the ancient complex of Kunye Urgench. It is located opposite the ticket office and car park. It is a tall structure with a 25 meter portal and a single reconstructed dome atop. It was built in the 14th century. The underside of the portal arch had many blue tiles missing, but there was enough in place for you to imagine how beautiful it was when first constructed. The mausoleum doors are wooden and seemed to be original. We thought the the interior of the dome was the most beautiful section of the mausoleum. The predominately blue dome designs were interspersed with white, grey and gold patterns. The section beneath the dome was in 12 parts, which are said to represent the months of the year. This section had six honeycomb shaped sculptures in between the other decorated areas. This honeycomb sculpture was a common feature throughout the complex on the original buildings, and is also seen in the smaller section at the entrance of the mausoleum. At the far end of the mausoleum were steps leading to a lower level which had been barred with bricks. We assumed that the grave of Turabek was in this area. Turabek Khanum, was the wife of General Kutlug Timur, who ruled Urgench between 1321 and 1336. The nearby Kutlug Timur minaret was completed during his rule. It is unfortunate that the exterior of the dome was not restored, as this would have been the highlight of the mausoleum. This is a must visit at the complex and a great way to start the tour. The path opposite the mausoleum leads through the ancient city, and the next structure is the Seyit Ahmet mausoleum. The Sulltan Ali mausoleum in the center of town, is said to be a smaller replica of this building, but was not decorated with tiles.
6. Il Arslan Mausoleum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By andrewmU2655XD
The II Arslan Mausoleum is the oldest standing building in the ancient city. It has been restored and is one of the highlights of the complex. It is located just north of the Dash Gala section. The mausoleum is dedicated to II Arslan and Fahreddin Razi. The shape and size of the building reminded us of the Samanid mausoleum in Bukhara. The main difference was the cone shaped roof with the use of a wavy design of small blue tiles. There was a brick constructed grave to the right of the building, and another larger grave hidden behind the building. We thought that the wooden doors seemed to be original, and there were beautiful carvings on them. The doors were slightly ajar, and worshipers had tied coloured ribbons on the lock. We peeked inside and saw another grave marker, which was white and similarly shaped to the grave outside. We were unsure which grave and monument was related to II Arslan and which to Razi. Arslan became the Shah of Gurganch in 1156 after the death of his father. This was at a time when the city paid tribute to both the Seljuk Dynasty (to the west) and Western Liao Dynasty, of which Gurganch was the westernmost city. The city stopped paying tribute to the Seljuks on the death of their leader, two years into his reign. Arslan then invaded Bukhara and Samarkand, which had also been ruled by the Western Liao. He stopped paying tribute to the Liao, which eventually resulted in a battle with them in 1172. The forces of Arslan were defeated, and he died shortly thereafter. His son, Ala ad-Din Tekish succeeded him and went on to significantly expand the Khwarezm Empire. We noted that the signboard had him as ruler until 1170, which contradicted the historical dates of the battle with the Liao. Fahreddin Razi was an important philosopher of the same era. The Mausoleum of Sultan Tekesh is a short walk north of this site, and the minaret is a short walk south inside the Dash Gala complex. Note that there is no public transport to the site, and tickets must be purchased at the ticket office in the car park to have access to all the buildings. It is a long hot walk through the site, so ensure that you have a bottle of water.
