Foto: The ancient city of Merv (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
Turkmenistan - It is barely six o’clock in the morning when I am already on the bus. Bachtiar is our guide today. He has taken over from Maksat. He is a cheerful man. Unfortunately, he speaks German, which is not my preferred language. Today, I am on my way to Uzbekistan. I have brought a breakfast package to eat later. Before going to Uzbekistan, I first visit the archaeological site of Merv. Especially at dawn, the remains of this ancient trading city are at their most beautiful. The city thrived centuries ago until it was completely destroyed by the Mongols in the 12th century. Hundreds of thousands of people lost their lives. At the ruins of the women’s fortress, the ingenious construction is clearly visible. The tall mud walls still stand proudly. The Islamic mausoleum of Askhabs al-Hakam and Buraydah al-Husayn shows that different religions could coexist in Merv. Jews, Christians, Buddhists, and Muslims lived within the walls of Merv. From the oldest hill of Merv, I have a view over the complex. I see the old city walls, the oldest parts of which date back to the sixth century. Finally, I conclude my visit to Merv with a visit to the Seljuk mausoleum. The square building with a round dome rises high above the surroundings. The mausoleum is the only building that has been fully restored, giving a strange impression in the otherwise barren environment.
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