Greater and Lesser Gyz Gala Tourism

The Greater and Lesser Gyz Gala are part of the ancient city of Merv in Turkmenistan. Recognized as one of the most important historical sites in Central Asia, Merv has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. These remarkable earthen structures date back to the 6th or 7th centuries when Merv was a thriving oasis city along the Silk Road. While much of the site lies in ruins, the impressive remains showcase the architectural ingenuity of the era. The Greater Gyz Gala is the larger of the two, featuring cylindrical towers and remnants of what was a residential complex. The Lesser Gyz Gala was believed to be heavily fortified, and together with its greater counterpart, it gives an insight into the urban layout and domestic architecture of the time. These structures stand in a deserted landscape, bearing the marks of several civilizations from the Achaemenids to the Mongol Empire, reflecting Merv's historical significance as a major urban center and a crossroad of cultures.