Gyaur Kala (Khodjeyli)
Gáwir qala
The ruins of an ancient Khorezm fortress on a hill beside Mizdakhan. Crumbling mud-brick walls offer views over the tomb complex and the Amu Darya plain.
Gyaur Kala, meaning “city of infidels,” was built around the 4th century BCE as the citadel of Mizdakhan, an important northwestern city of ancient Khorezm. It was destroyed during the Mongol invasions of the 13th century. Only the tall mud-brick walls and the remains of towers survive. Climbing the walls offers views of the Mizdakhan mausoleums and the distant oasis. The site is free, with no facilities or shade, so it is best visited early in the morning or near sunset. It can be reached on foot from Mizdakhan.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Mizdakhan Necropolis
- Nukus Central Bazaar
- Karakalpakstan State Museum of History and Culture
- Savitsky Karakalpakstan Art Museum
- Berdakh Museum
- Chilpik Dakhma
- Sudochye Lakes
- Aral Sea Museum (Moynaq)