Merv is one of those examples that clearly demonstrate how high we (humans) think about our civilization and how little we actually mean. Once, the most advanced region on Earth, the part of ancient Persia, dotted with bustling cities along the famous, historical Silk Road. Now - the few remains of strongholds as well as defensive walls that used to be the witnesses of enormous power stand silently stripped of their grandeur in the middle of nowhere and the only citizens that settle in the destroyed fortresses are some little desert rodents and herds of camels nibbling wilted shrubs
Konye Urgench, Turkmenistan - A Silent Reminder of The Great Silk Road
Konye Urgench (Old Urgench) which joined UNESCO list in 2005, is one of the most important archaeological locations in Turkmenistan (the other being Merv). It lies in the site of the ancient Persian Empire and was inhabited since 4th century BC. It rose to a powerful city during the middle ages - as an important center on the famous Silk Road. In the 13th century, Urgench was invaded by the Mongols who leveled the city to the ground. Nevertheless, it regained its previous, strong position and remained that way until the 16th century when the people slowly started to abandon it. The new settlement (New Urgench) was founded some 160 km (100 miles) to the south (which is now Uzbekistan).