Hidden in the sands of Ahal Province, just 20 km north of Baherden, lies one of Turkmenistan’s most enigmatic archaeological sites — Shahrislam, once known in medieval texts as Fortress Tak-Yazyr.
From the 9th to 14th centuries, this ancient city was a flourishing trade and craft center, connecting Silk Road caravans, nomadic herders, and settled oasis cultures. At its height, the city covered nearly 100 hectares, bustling with markets, mosques, and workshops producing ceramics, metalware, and textiles.
One of its most fascinating features is a medieval water supply system — a network of underground tunnels and canals constructed with 60×80 cm baked bricks — carried fresh water from the Kopetdag Mountains, over 20 kilometers away. This advanced irrigation allowed Shahrislam to thrive in an otherwise arid landscape.
Today, the site may look like gentle hills and scattered shards… but beneath the surface lie centuries of stories, inscriptions, coins, and ruins of caravanserais, mosques, and fortified walls — now being uncovered by archaeologists.
Why visit Shahrislam?
- Off-the-beaten-path Silk Road experience
- Authentic archaeological site, untouched by mass tourism
- Rich Islamic and Central Asian heritage
- Easy access from Ashgabat or Baherden
Perfect for cultural explorers, history lovers, and travelers looking for something truly rare and meaningful.
Send us a message to include Shahrislam in your custom Turkmenistan itinerary. Let history guide your next journey.