For thousands of years, the Turkmen land has been a crossroads of various cultures and trade routes. It is known that on the territory of our country there were several fortresses and caravanserais for the caravans. One of the most famous of them is the Amul fortress, located on the right bank of the Amudarya. This place is not only one of the oldest cities in Turkmenistan, but is also widely known as an important trade center of the Great Silk Road.
The city of Amul is located on the territory of the current city of Turkmenabat in the Lebap velayat. Its location on the banks of the Amudarya made it very convenient for both trade and military purposes. The ancient city was a large square fortress made of adobe bricks, surrounded by a deep moat with water. Inside the fortress there were squares, military dormitories, food warehouses, residential buildings and a magnificently decorated palace. Amul was one of the largest centers of international trade. Important trade routes of the Great Silk Road passed through this city. In addition to trade routes, routes to Iran and Eastern Europe passed from here.
Currently, the territory of the Amul fortress is protected by the state as a historical and cultural monument. The inclusion of the Amul fortress, located on the route “The Great Silk Road: Zarafshan — Garagum Pass”, in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2024 confirms its significance in world culture.
The Amul fortress is a historical treasure that has taken its place on the glorious pages of Turkmen history.
Aziz ROZUMYRADOV,
head of the General department of the Lebap velayat Council of
the Youth organization of Turkmenistan named after Magtymguly.
