Almost one hundred kilometers from the city of Dashoguz (480 km from Ashgabat) is the ancient city of Kunya-Urgench (Old Urgench). Today this settlement is a state historical and cultural reserve with an area of about 640 hectares (established in 1985).
The name of the city of Urgench is inscribed in the history of Central Asia in gold letters. At the end of the 10th century, Urgench (then Gurganj) was the capital of the vast and prosperous state of Khorezmshahs, which occupied the whole region of the Amudarya delta in northern Turkmenistan and western Uzbekistan.
Kunya-Urgench had an extremely favorable geographical position. He was at the intersection of two major caravan routes: to the east, to China, and from the south - to the north-west, to the Volga. This situation could not but affect the growth rate, and the city grew, rapidly expanding its ownership, turning into a real center of civilization. At the beginning of the eleventh century, Gurganj became so famous that it eclipsed the glory of Bukhara. Scientists and poets who glorified the city as “the capital of a thousand wise men” gathered here. Here they worked a brilliant naturalist, physician and philosopher Abu Ali ibn Sina (Avicenna) and the great encyclopedist Abu Reyhan Beruniy.
Throughout the thirteenth century, Gurganj was the heart of the "Islamic world" until its ruler rebelled against Genghis Khan. The Mongols completely destroyed the glorious city, leaving no stone unturned on it. That is why the modern Keneurgench is quite destroyed. Many historical buildings of Keneurgench remained from the times of Khorezmshahs. On their example, one can observe the whole diversity of Islamic architecture in Central Asia. Different types of building structures, a rare dome shape, stunning color purity - are admired by all.
Urgench reached its heyday with ruler Kutlug Timur and his wife Tyurabek-khanim. During this period, the most magnificent architectural monuments of Urgench are being built.
First of all, it is the pearl of Ancient Khorezm - the mausoleum of Tyurabek-Khanym and the minaret of Kutlug-Timur. Also here are the majestic ancient fortress cities of Devckesin, Shasenem, Zmukshir, Kenevas and many others.
In short, Keneurgench is a unique place on earth. The size and importance of its monuments are undeniable. No wonder that architectural masterpieces of Keneurgench are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.