Mary, also known as Merv, is an ancient city in southeastern Turkmenistan, resting in the Karakum Desert near the Murghab River. With a history that spans more than 4,000 years, it has seen the rise and fall of various empires and civilizations, including the Achaemenids, Alexander the Great, the Seljuk Turks, and the Mongols. Mary is now the capital of the Mary Province and serves as a cultural and economic hub in the region. The city is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Historic and Cultural Park of Ancient Merv, which boasts impressive archaeological remains, such as the Great Kyz Kala, Sultan Kala, and the Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar. Mary is known for its vibrant bazaars, where visitors can immerse themselves in local traditions, and for its proximity to the Karakum Canal, one of the largest irrigation and water supply canals in the world. The region's rich agricultural industry, particularly in cotton, has been central to the city's prosperity.
