Toprak-Kala
Tuproqqal’a
The ruins of the mud-brick palace city of the ancient Khwarazmian kingdom. Its high palace platform stands at the edge of the desert, and it is the centrepiece of the '50 Fortresses' route.
Toprak-Kala lies in the Elliq-Qala district of the Republic of Karakalpakstan. It was the capital of the ancient Khwarezmian kingdom between the 1st and 4th centuries AD. Within its rectangular walls stands a palace platform about 25 metres high. Archaeologists have uncovered murals, sculptures and documents here. The site sits on the right bank of the Amu Darya, at the edge of the desert, about 75 km from Khiva. It is usually combined with Ayaz-Kala and Kyzyl-Kala in a day trip to the desert fortresses, which requires a hired car, as there is no public transport. There is almost no shade at the site, so bring plenty of water and a hat. A small number of tickets are sold on site.
Opening hours
Open daytime
Nearby sights
- Kyzyl-Kala
- Ayaz-Kala
- Tash Hauli Palace
- Palvan Darvaza & Allakuli Khan Caravanserai
- Nurullabay Palace
- Allakuli Khan Madrasa
- Kutlug Murad Inaq Madrasa
- Anusha Khan Bathhouse