Gonur Depe
Goňur depe
The capital of the Margiana civilisation of the Bronze Age, with palaces, temples and chariot burials; dubbed the 'Babylon of Central Asia'.
Gonur Depe lies on the edge of the Karakum Desert, about 70 km from Mary. It dates to roughly 2300 to 1600 BCE and is the core site of the Bactria-Margiana Archaeological Complex (BMAC). Archaeologist Sarianidi excavated it over several decades. Visible remains include palace walls, a fire temple, royal tombs and horse sacrifice pits. The roads are sandy tracks, so you need to hire an off-road vehicle, and a local travel agency will arrange the permits. The one-way trip takes about 2 hours. Summer heat is extreme, so avoid visiting then.
Opening hours
Advance booking required
Nearby sights
- Sultan Kala
- Yusuf Hamadani Complex
- Shahriyar Ark
- Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar
- Erk Kala
- Great and Lesser Kyz Kala
- Gyaur Kala
- Askhab Mausoleums