Pre-Mongolian Monuments

Survived in a small number the pre-Mongolian monuments are of great significance for the history of architecture as a whole and for the Turkmen culture in particular.

IL ARSLAN MAUSOLEUM is the oldest surviving structure on the site dating from the late 12 th century. Being smallest in size it is worth a close inspection. The mausoleum is unique due to its tiled 12-sided conical dome and a terracotta floral design on its east wall. There is nothing like that in Central Asia.

The monumental SULTAN TEKESH MAUSOLEM (early 13 th century) is remarkable for its great dimensions and splendid decoration. The building is perfect in design. Of exceptional beauty are the arch portal stalactites and the blue conical dome decorated with a curious zigzag pattern. The dome relies on an unusually high-corrugated drum divided into 24 niches, each niche being also filled with stalactites. The inside of the mausoleum is as great as the outside. Roofed with a high lancet dome it consists of a roomy square chamber with the side of 11,45 m . Though the interior is devoid of ornamental decoration (the 3,5 m thick walls are just white washed) it impresses with its solidity and stern style.

The rectangular mound opposite the Sultan Tekesh Mausoleum is FORTY MULLAHS` HILL, named after 40 Koranic teachers who happened to visit the city on the eve of the Mongol invasion. As legend has it they decided to face the death rather than to leave. They died and were buried on top of the hill. The hill is also thought to contain priceless 10 th and 11 th century scientific manuscripts. The precise date of the city's origins is unknown. In excavation of the hill some traces of a mighty ancient fortress wall have been revealed containing shards of pottery from the 5 th to the 2 nd centuries BC.