Ancient Abiwerd Fortress – A Renowned Point on the Great Silk Road

In the Middle Ages, the famous city of Abiwerd in Khorasan was located over a vast area, 
from the foothills of Southern Turkmenistan to the modern Babadurmaz railway station and 
the Sarahs region. Favorable climatic conditions, clayey soils, and a reliable water 
supply for artificial irrigation created the perfect conditions for the early development 
of agriculture in the region. The ancient archaeological sites of Namazgadepe, Garadepe, 
and Altyndepe, dating back to the Eneolithic and Bronze Ages, are located in the Abiwerd region.

According to written records, during the Parthian period, this region formed its own 
independent administrative province called Apawarktikena. Abiwerd was one of the most 
populous and developed centers of Khorasan in the Middle Ages, and valuable archaeological 
and written sources related to it have survived to this day.

Abiwerd, located along the Great Silk Road, played an important role in expanding political, 
economic, and cultural relations with other countries. Historical sources describe Abiwerd 
and its region as a densely populated, culturally advanced, and powerful area until the Mongol invasions.

Today, the ancient Abiwerd fortress is studied as one of the key centers of the 
Great Silk Road, and documents are being prepared to include it on the UNESCO World Heritage List. 
The fortress covers an area of about 5 hectares, with its inner castle distinguished by strong walls and a high level of security.

The Abiwerd fortress is located 7 km southwest of the 
Kaka district center of Ahal province, at the 116th kilometer of the Ashgabat-Turkmenabat highway. 
It is one of the most visited and interesting places for tourists to explore historical and archaeological treasures.