Ancient history of Turkmenistan: a journey through the ages

Turkmenistan, a country in the heart of Central Asia, is rich in ancient history and fascinating civilisations that have flourished and faded over millennia. From the early civilisations along the Amu-Darya River to the mighty empires of antiquity, Turkmenistan offers a treasure trove of historical relics to explore. In this article, we will embark on a journey through Turkmenistan’s ancient history to discover the country’s fascinating past.

Early history: the oases along the Amu Darya River

The country’s history stretches far back into antiquity, when the fertile oases along the Amu-Darya River were home to nomadic tribes and early civilisations. Archaeological finds indicate that the region was inhabited more than 5,000 years ago.

One of the most notable civilisations that flourished in Turkmenistan was the Central Asian Bronze Age culture, which was known for its advanced metallurgical techniques and elaborate craftsmanship. The remains of settlements such as Gonur Tepe and Togolok show the traces of this ancient civilisation that once dominated the region.

Characteristic of the ancient history of Turkmenistan is the formation of the Zoroastrian ancient Iranian civilisation, into whose sphere of influence the territories of present-day Turkmenistan fall. The Margiana satrapy (with its centre in the city of Merv), which was part of the Akheminid state, emerged here in the VI to IV centuries BC.

The era of the great empires: Parthia and Persia

In the first millennium BC, Turkmenistan became part of the Persian Empire, which was ruled by the Achaemenids. During this time, trade along the Silk Road flourished and cities such as Merv and Nisa became important hubs for trade between East and West.

In the 3rd century BC, the country became part of the Parthian Empire, one of the most powerful empires of the ancient Orient. The ruins of Nisa, the former capital of the Parthians, bear witness to the splendour and wealth of this civilisation. The city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007 and is a fascinating destination for history buffs and archaeologists.

The first state to be centred on the territory of Turkmenistan was Parthia with its capital Nisa. Another important centre of the country at this time was Merv. The core of the Parthian state was formed by the Sak tribe of the Parthians, who lived as nomads on the territory of Turkmenistan. They took advantage of the weakening of the Seleucid state and first subordinated the neighbouring regions of Hyrcania and Khorasan, then the whole of Persia, Mesopotamia and Bactria. However, the Central Asian nomads who spoke Indo-European languages – Tohars (Yuezhi) – became a serious enemy of the Parthians.

After the fall of Parthia, the Turkmen lands once again became the periphery of Iran(Sassanids). At this time, the territories of Turkmenistan were known as North Khorasan. In the IV century, Christianity penetrated the territory of Turkmenistan: in 334 a bishopric was established in Merv.

In the V-VI centuries, the Turkmen territory belonging to the Sassanids was conquered by nomads who were Iranian-speaking Ephtalites, after whose defeat the Sassanids regained their lost influence. The ancient history of Turkmenistan ends with the formation of the Turkic Kaganate near the northern borders of Iranian-speaking Turkmenistan.

The time of the Silk Road: trade and culture

During the Silk Road period, which lasted from the 2nd century BC to the 15th century AD, Turkmenistan played an important role as a trading centre between East and West. Cities such as Merv, Khiva and Bukhara flourished and became thriving trading centres that exchanged goods, ideas and cultures between China, the Mediterranean and the Middle East.

Merv, also known as the “Queen of the Oases”, was one of the largest cities in the ancient world and an important crossroads along the Silk Road. The city was known for its rich culture, architecture and craftsmanship and attracted traders, scholars and pilgrims from all over the world.

The conquests of the Mongols and Timurids

In the 13th century, the Mongols under the leadership of Genghis Khan conquered large parts of Central Asia, including Turkmenistan. The conquest brought destruction and devastation to the region, but it also laid the foundations for the powerful Timurid Empire, which ruled Central Asia in the 14th and 15th centuries.

Under the reign of Timur the Great, also known as Tamerlan, the country experienced a cultural heyday known as the “Timurid Renaissance”. Cities such as Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva became centres of art, architecture and science, leaving behind a rich heritage that continues to this day.