Historical Capitals of the World

Konye-Urgench

Country: Turkmenistan

Region: Asia

Period: 12th-13th c.CE

Location: 42.333333°N, 59.15°E

Description

Konye-Urgench, located in modern-day Turkmenistan, was a prominent city under both the Seljuq and Khwarezmid dynasties. Flourishing from the 11th to 13th centuries, it served as a key cultural and commercial hub along the Silk Road, known for its wealth, architectural marvels, and Islamic scholarship.

Modern Remains

Today, Konye-Urgench is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surviving structures include the Gutlug Timur Minaret, mausoleums, and fragments of madrasas and caravanserais. These ruins reflect the city’s architectural brilliance and historical depth, making it a major archaeological and cultural landmark in Turkmenistan.

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