Things to do & places to visit in Mary Province, Turkmenistan

Mary Province #2 destination in Turkmenistan 2023. The average rating score is 4.13 based on 187 traveler reviews, of 17 attractions. Timezone: Asia/Ashgabat, current date and time: Sunday, May 12, 2024, 9:07.

Top things to do (9)

Top destinations in Mary Province 4

Top places to visit (17 attractions)

5.0 Mohammed ibn Zayd Mausoleum (1 review)
Open now - 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites

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5.0 Great Kyz Kala (1 review)
- The largest ancient köshk in Central Asia
Sunday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks

Great Kyz Kala is located on the first right turn after the Merv ticket office. You will pass another ancient structure to the left, Bibi Kala, before reaching the site. It is west of The Timurid city, and just outside the Southern section of Sultan Kala. The structure is the largest ancient monumental köshk (castle mansion) in Central Asia. Locals have named it maiden's castle. It was built as a residence with fortress type walls, but no arrow slits in the walls for defence. Archaeologists have theorised that ramparts, would have allowed the occupants to walk around the top of the structure. The date of construction is unknown, but it is said to be built between the 8th - 9th centuries. Sun dried bricks were used in the construction, so it was definitely before the 11th century when fire baked bricks were in use at Merv. Access was prevented as it is an architectural site where work is taking place. It is a rectangular structure measuring 42m x 36m, and raised on a 2m platform off the ground. The decorated walls rise as high as 10m in some sections. The front walls are solid structures with a small entrance in the middle. The other walls have columnar decorative structures along the length. The wall to the right was damaged near to the end, with a large opening at the top of the last two columns. The wall to the left had a huge opening in the middle, and again damage to the upper section of the last two columns. The best preserved wall was at the back of the structure with all 16 columns in good condition. Best photos are taken in this section. After viewing this structure, it will be good to compare it to the Shahriyar Ark (Sultans Fort) which was built of fired bricks in 1080. The Sultans fort is located in the north eastern section of Sultan Kala just off the paved road. The Lesser Kyz kala is a five minute walk south of the Great Kyz Kala. See more..
5.0 Erk Kala (1 review)
- The site of Alexandria city
Sunday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks

The Erk Kala is the smallest of the four historical sites at Merv. It is at the northern section of the Gyaur Kala site. The paved road that leads through the ancient cities passes just north of this site. A brick path leads from the small asphalted parking lot to the base of the ruins. The collapsed fortress walls are over 20 meters high and quite steep in sections. Care is required as the earth is loose and it is easy to lose your footing. After climbing for a few minutes you will be rewarded by a magnificent view of the ancient site of Gyaur Kala and the surrounding sites. The walls of Gyaur kala are still easily recognisable, and if you look in a south and south easterly direction, the ruins of the Friday Mosque and the mound of earth that covers the Buddhist Stupa will be seen. If you are daring, you can climb further to the viewpoint, from which a clearer view of the site is possible, but it is very slippery and steep. The area around the site is surprisingly green with a river flowing through it, which allows you to imagine the oasis city thriving city on the banks of the Murgab River River, 2,500 years ago. The fortress walls are still in fair condition, so it is easy to image how impregnable it seemed in ancient times. The fortress was first constructed by the Persian Empire (Achaemids) in the 6th Century BC. It was captured by Alexanders forces in 330 BC. After Alexander's Empire collapsed, the fort was taken by the Seleucids and the fortress walls were improved. The fortress and surrounding city was renamed Margiana Antiochia. The Seleucid Empire expanded the city and made the fortress it's northern point of defence. New walls were built to connect the city to the fortress. If you are interested in the history of the Persian, Macedonian and Seleucid Empires this site is a must see. Be careful walking back down as the clay based soil is very slippery. See more..
5.0 Tomb of Ahmed Sanjar (1 review)
Open now - 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites

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5.0 Memorial Square (1 review)
- Monument to WW2 fallen
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

This memorial is dedicated to the fallen in WW2. It is comprised of a red Soviet era designed monument with a sculpture of a weeping mother to the left and a man in traditional Turkmen dress to the right. A similar red sculpture was in the Park of Victory in Ashgabat, but was removed in recent years. Below the red sculpture is the eternal flame which was not burning. This park is opposite the Mary Provincial Government building, which also has another war related monument to it's left. This monument is of a soldier with a gun in hand, and we thought related to the Afghanistan war. We visited this site as part of a prearranged tour, but were unable to properly view both monuments due to difficulties in finding a parking space. WW2 was devastating to the Soviet Union, and the Russian Turkestan area was no exception. It is estimated that 70,000 military lives and 30,000 civilian lives were lost. This is an estimated 7% of the population at the time. We were happy that the war memorial seemed to be well maintained and in a prominent place in the city. The Afghan war in the 1980's was another conflict with many Soviet casualties, including Turkmen soldiers. We had seen few of these monuments in Turkmenistan during our visit, as many of the Soviet related monuments and sculptures are slowly being removed. It was good to see these monuments in the city center, and I hope that they remain here. Other nearby attractions include the Presidents statue, Library and Gurbanguly Hajji Mosque. See more..
4.5 Ancient Merv - UNESCO World Heritage Site (101 reviews)
- Better with a guide
Ancient Ruins

The old oasis-city has a fortress, mosques and mausoleum of the 11th and 12th centuries. See more..
4.5 Gonur Depe (5 reviews)
- City from BC
Spent 1-2 hours Ancient Ruins

This ancient city dates from before Christ. Archeology did not start here until the 1970s. Little of the city is restored, only walls have been stabilized is some areas. Ancient kilns and ovens can be spotted easily. Some say Zoarasterism originated here. Most of the city is still under rough mounds of dirt. Access to the site takes about 3 hours each way over very rough roads requiring 4 wheel drive and high clearance. No visitor services are provided. There is a covered picnic table and very primitive toilets. See more..
4.0 Zelyony (Green) Bazaar (6 reviews)
- Wonderful
Speciality & Gift Shops

The best food bazaar I think I've ever visited. One huge farmers market and worth visiting even if you're not buying. I bought lots of dried mushrooms, honey, dried fruit and saffron. See more..
4.0 Little Kyz Kala (1 review)
- The boys fort
Sunday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks

Lesser Kyz Kala is a short walk of 250 meters south of Great Kyz Kala. It is located west of the Timurid city, just outside the walls of Sultan Kala. It was built as a residence of a rich trader or official, and is known by locals as the "boys fort". The structure is 22m square shaped and is thought to have had a dome. The ruins are not in good condition, but access is allowed. The shape of the walls can be seen and the inner rooms layout. It was built on a slightly raised level, when compared to Greater Kyz Kala. The walls to the top left of the structure were in the best condition. The walls to the right were cracking and in need of repair. We thought that given the poor condition of this structure, it may be best to have it covered for better preservation. Good photos of the larger neighbouring castle can be taken from here. The castle was built of mud bricks, but the year of construction is uncertain. It was most likely built during the Tahirid Empire 821-873 or Saffarid Empire 873 - early 10th century. After visiting this site, the Ashkab Mausoleum is a short 5 minute drive along the paved path through the ancient city. If you are interested in ancient castle designs, the Sultans Fort, which was built in 1080, is still in fairly good condition, in the north eastern section of Sultan Kala. It will be a good to view the mud brick structures of Little and Greater Kyz Kala and then compare them to the burnt brick structure of the Sultans fort. See more..
4.0 Sardoba (1 review)
- Ancient water storage
Sunday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites

The sardoba is a part of the Askhab Complex but we thought an attraction on it's own. It is a beautiful brick structure with a dome that has a small opening at the top for lighting and air circulation. The structure seemed very old, and we assumed that it may have been a part of the original complex in the Timurid era. There were unfortunately no signboards in this area which gave an indication as to when it was constructed. The brickwork at the entrance to the Sardoba was cracked and the plaster falling off in many areas. We thought that the floral designs in the archway over the entrance was beautiful, although in need of repair. The steps were difficult to descend but offered a view of the interior structure of the sardoba and the water within. This well is probably not in use anymore as there were water pipes throughout the complex, but it would have been invaluable to pilgrims in ancient times after a long hot walk to reach the askhab complex. The sardoba was a regular sight on the silk road, as it provided a source of drinking water that was protected from the desert sands. They were constructed along the caravan routes and filled by rainwater, melting ice or snow. Sardobas were used from BC to the 18th century. Uzbekistan was famous for it's numerous Sardobas, many of which may still be visited today. We visited another Sardoba in Merv at the Mohammed ibn Zayd Mausoleum, but this well was not in use although the structure was sound. This may be your only opportunity in Turkmenistan to view a functioning sardoba, as we didn't see any others during our trip. See more..
4.0 Askhab Mausoleum (1 review)
Open now - 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites

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4.0 Gyaur Kala (1 review)
- The Westernmost point of Buddhism
Closed now - 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks

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3.5 National History and Ethnology Museum (31 reviews)
- Worth a visit
History Museums

This is well worth the visit in order to see the important artifacts found at Merv, such as the remarkable "rhytons" (drinking horns) carved from elephant tusks. Also the ethnology section is well displayed. (Some other sections may give you a giggle...) See more..
3.5 Pokrovskaya Church (22 reviews)
- Beautiful church
Churches & Cathedrals

The church is absolutely lovely. The interior is a fabulous blue and adorned with many icon images. Great place to visit. See more..
3.5 Gurbanguly Hajji Mosque (11 reviews)
- Main mosque in the city center
Points of Interest & Landmarks

The Gurbanguly Hajji Mosque is located in the city center. It is found at the intersection of four busy streets and seems difficult to access. We saw it whilst walking through town and took a few photos from the sidewalk. It was built between 2001 and 2009, and named in honour of the former president, whose statue is a short walk north west of the mosque. The local architects were Kakajan and Durly Durdyev. It reminded us of the Hezreti Omar mosque in Ashgabat, which was white with four similar styled minarets and a gold dome. The mosque is situated in an area of many beautiful buildings, including the Library, which is on the opposite side of the road. The round-a-bout in front of the mosque has golden sculptures of Turkmen heroes. In a city of few attractions, the mosque is a must see. See more..
3.0 Hoja Yusup Baba Mesjidi (1 review)
- Modern facility on the edge of Merv
Closed now - 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites

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3.0 Sport Toplumy (1 review)
- Great sculpture of Akhal-teke horse
Spent < 1 hour Arenas & Stadiums

The Sport Toplumy Stadium is a multi purpose stadium which is located 6km east of the Mary airport on the M37 highway. We passed it on the way to visit the ancient city of Merv, and were attracted by the gold sculpture of a Akhal-teke horse. The use of white marble on the stadium reminded us of the government buildings in Ashgabat. We had visited a hippodrome in Dashoguz which had a similar horse sculpture at the entrance. The stadium is regularly used for football matches, and is the home stadium of FC Merv. It was opened in 2009, and cost $20 million to construct. In a town of few attractions, a photo here with the golden Akhal-teke horse is a good opportunity, especially if you are on the way to Merv, as you will have to pass this stadium. Merv is a further 20km in an easterly direction from this site. See more..