Merv

Merv has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1999, with ruins dating back 4000 years. It was one of the most prominent learning centers in the Islamic world until the 11th century. It was the capital of the Great Seljuk Empire in the 11th and 12th centuries. It had a population of about 500,000 people in the 13th century, making it one of the world's largest cities at the time.

The Mongol Empire destroyed it in 1221, and it has been partially rebuilt several times since then, but it has never regained its previous magnificence. You may now take a stroll through the ruins of historic strongholds, medieval streets, and even the mausoleum of Seljuk monarch Sultan Sanjar. The site's territory is 353 hectares, plus an 883-hectare buffer zone. Walking through these massive mud-brick ruins, it is difficult to believe this was once a major Silk Road metropolis.

Location: Merv, Turkmenistan
Entrance fee: N/A
Best time to visit:

• March-April
• October-November

Hours: N/A