A mystical place of legends and deities Murche, located 118km to the west of Ashgabat, is an ancient village in the foothills of the Kopetdag Mountains filled with ancient ruins, mysticism, and deities. In Murche, one can see the ancient tribal traditions still performed with their mysterious offerings to the pagan deities; see the unexplained natural phenomenon of light radiating from an archaic burial site, or walk over pre-Islamic ruins dedicated to the patroness of women and fertility. Also in Murche is the Mausoleum of Zengi-Baba who is in Indo-Iranian mythology a reflection of Mithra, the ancient god of sun. Eventually this cult spread beyond Iran and Asia Minor and gradually became a mystery cult. It’s all for the curious traveler, only two hours away from the capital.
Mausoleum of Zengi Baba
The primary shrine dedicated to Zangi Baba stands out as a prominent structure, with its origins tracing back to either the 13th or 14th centuries. During this time, bricks salvaged from earlier establishments were repurposed, or alternatively, it could have been initially constructed during the 10th or 11th centuries and later underwent reconstruction several centuries later.
This mausoleum takes the form of a square building topped by a grand dome. The junction between the walls and the dome is accentuated by four distinct niches, cleverly designed to create a seamless transition. Inside, the cenotaph is adorned with intricate tiling, showcasing an array of captivating geometric patterns.
Surrounding the mausoleum, one can find a notable assortment of oval-shaped objects, often speculated to be cannonballs, although local tradition attributes them to be dinosaur eggs. Additionally, the vicinity houses an intriguing collection of peculiar-looking stones, notably ammolites, which are believed to possess sacred qualities. These objects and stones are carefully preserved, further enhancing the aura of sanctity surrounding the site.
