Hellenistic Structures > Gyaur Gala Fortress

Gyaur Gala Fortress

Background

Gyaur Kala: The Second Largest City in Merv

Historical Background

• Achaemenian and Macedonian Rule: After the defeat of the Achaemenian Empire by Alexander the Great in the 4th century BC, Merv came under Macedonian rule. Following Alexander's death, the Seleucid Empire, ruled by one of his generals, Seleucus I (312-280 BC), took control of the region.
• Antiochus I’s Expansion: Seleucus' successor, Antiochus I (280-261 BC), initiated a significant expansion of Merv. He constructed a walled city nearly two kilometers in diameter, called Antiochia Margiana, which is known today as Gyaur Kala. This new city encompassed about 30 hectares.

Urban Development

• Transformation of Erk Kala: Antiochus I converted the earlier city of Erk Kala into a citadel within the new walled city. This expansion integrated the older settlement into the fortified urban center of Gyaur Kala.
• Long-term Occupation: Gyaur Kala remained occupied for approximately a thousand years, reflecting its sustained importance in the region.

Key Structures

• Beni Makhan Mosque: Within the city walls are the remains of significant structures, including the Beni Makhan mosque and its cistern, highlighting the Islamic influence in later periods.
• Buddhist Stupa: One of the most intriguing religious buildings is the remains of a Buddhist stupa, considered the westernmost Buddhist monument identified. The stupa is a mound with only vague discernible features of the original structure. Discoveries at the site include:
  • Decorated Vase: A beautifully decorated vase, now displayed at the National Museum in Ashgabat.
  • Clay Buddha Head: A clay head of Buddha, believed to be part of a massive statue over three meters high. This suggests a significant Buddhist presence and influence.
• Buddhist Monastery: Adjacent to the stupa is a pockmarked terrain indicating the presence of a Buddhist monastery.

Defensive Features

• City Walls: The archaeologists of the International Merv Project have excavated a cross-section of the southwestern walls of Gyaur Kala. The city's walls were initially built by the Seleucids and were reinforced over time to defend against advancements in artillery.
• Phases of Construction: The walls underwent several distinct phases of construction, including the addition of bastions in the 4th century. These bastions provided platforms for defensive artillery pieces and strengthened the overall fortifications.

Conclusion

Gyaur Kala, as the second largest city in Merv, exemplifies the strategic and cultural significance of the region throughout its long history. The city's development under Antiochus I, its diverse religious structures, and robust defensive walls reflect the complex and evolving nature of this ancient settlement. From its origins in the Achaemenid period to its role in the Seleucid Empire and beyond, Gyaur Kala stands as a testament to the rich historical tapestry of Central Asia.

Gyaur-Kala Fortress: "The Fortress of Infidels"

Historical Background

• Name and Meaning: The name Gyaur-Kala translates to "The Fortress of Infidels," a name given by Arab conquerors in the early 8th century. This name reflects the fierce resistance the Zoroastrian inhabitants offered against the Arab invasion.
• Construction: The fortress was built approximately in the 4th century BC during the pre-Islamic era. It dates back to a time when the region's inhabitants worshipped fire, aligning with the Zoroastrian faith.

Architectural Features

• Fortifications: Gyaur-Kala is renowned for its ten-meter high walls, which showcase the fortress's impressive and powerful construction. These walls encompass the ruins of two main citadels.
• Citadels:
  • Temple Citadel: One of the citadels likely served both as a defensive structure and a temple. This dual use aligns with the district's significance as the birthplace of the ancient Zoroastrian texts, the Gathas, written by Zarathustra.
  • Governor's Palace: The other citadel appears to have been the governor’s palace, surrounded by a large courtyard and residential buildings. This area was decorated with paintings, carvings on clay, and luxury items such as ornaments and fabrics decorated with gold embroidery.

Cultural Significance

• Zoroastrian Heritage: The numerous ruins and artifacts indicate that the inhabitants were Zoroastrians who worshipped fire. This cultural heritage is significant, as Khorezm and its surroundings are considered the origin of Zoroastrian texts and the birthplace of the Avesta.
• Relics and Artifacts: Archaeologists have discovered various relics indicating the presence of a higher estate, including luxury goods and intricate decorations.

Strategic Importance

• Trade Routes: The fortress stood at the crossroads of important trade routes, including the northern branch of the Great Silk Road. This strategic location contributed to its prolonged existence compared to other fortresses in Ancient Khorezm.
• Panoramic View: Located on the highest hill in the region, the citadel's towers provided a panoramic view of the surrounding territories, enhancing its defensive capabilities.

Decline and Legacy

• Arab Conquest: The fortress was named by the Arabs who conquered it after a prolonged resistance by the townsmen. The name "Gyaur-Kala" reflects the religious conflict between the Zoroastrian inhabitants and the Muslim conquerors.
• Mongol Destruction: Gyaur-Kala continued to function until the arrival of the Mongols in 1220. Genghis Khan’s elder son, Temujin, ordered the city to be destroyed. Subsequently, the townsmen relocated and established a new settlement nearby.
• Current State: Of all the fortresses in the region, Gyaur-Kala is the worst preserved. The inner walls have mostly crumbled, leaving behind sagging boulders of gigantic proportions. Only the outer walls' thickness and height hint at the fortress's former grandeur.

Geographical Context

• Location: Gyaur-Kala is separated from the ancient necropolis of Mizdahkan by a salt marsh lowland, which becomes a lake during spring. The main arch of Gyaur-Kala faces Mizdahkan, linking the two historical sites.
• Labyrinth: An intricate labyrinth was discovered at the entrance to the citadel, adding to the site's historical intrigue.

Conclusion

Gyaur-Kala, "The Fortress of Infidels," stands as a testament to the region's rich Zoroastrian heritage and its strategic significance throughout history. Despite its current state of ruin, the fortress's historical and cultural legacy continues to be of great interest to archaeologists and historians alike.

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