Sultan Kala
Soltan Gala
The capital ruins of the Seljuk Empire, which in the 11th–12th centuries may have had a population of several hundred thousand and was among the largest cities in the world.
Sultan Kala was founded after the 8th century and reached its peak in the Seljuk period. Its city walls are about 12 km in circumference, and parts of the rammed-earth walls and towers are still clearly visible. The city declined after it was captured and sacked by Mongol forces in 1221. Major remains inside the city include the Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, the Shahriyar Ark palace citadel and the Hoja Yusuf Hamadani mosque complex. The Muhammad ibn Zayd Mausoleum lies to the north. The sites are spread out, so a hired car is needed to link them.
Opening hours
Open daytime
Nearby sights
- Yusuf Hamadani Complex
- Shahriyar Ark
- Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar
- Great and Lesser Kyz Kala
- Askhab Mausoleums
- Erk Kala
- Gyaur Kala
- Merv Ice Houses