During the spring archaeological research in the Dashoguz velayat, on the territory of the state historical and cultural reserve "Kunyaurgench", excavations of the medieval architectural object "Caravanserai" are being carried out. The work is carried out by specialists of the reserve itself under the leadership of the National Directorate of Turkmenistan for the Protection, Study and Restoration of Historical and Cultural Monuments as part of the implementation of the State Program for 2022-2028 for the careful preservation of objects of the National historical and cultural heritage, their protection and study, attracting tourists to them.
The “Portal of the Caravanserai” monument has been attracting the keen interest of many domestic and foreign historians and archaeologists of different years for many years now. There is an opinion that, contrary to its name, its appearance and outstanding architectural and artistic merits are closer to a palace building than to a domestic building. Some experts believed that in terms of its proportions and thoroughness of execution, according to the fragments of the cladding, this building can be attributed to the best architectural monuments not only of Khorezm, but of the whole of Central Asia.
In 2020, during excavations carried out by Turkmen scientists, voluminous fragments of walls destroyed at the end of the 14th century were discovered here. Their decorative lining was terracotta tiles with beautiful carved ornaments.
Many objects, including clay jugs and hums, remains of clay conduits, terracotta elements of architectural decoration, including slabs with geometric and floral ornaments, partially covered with turquoise glaze, were discovered during excavations work last year and searches near the Caravanserai Portal site. They replenished the fund of the museum of folk crafts located in the ancient building of the Dashmechet madrasah.
It seems that the new season of excavations will allow domestic specialists to study the preserved cultural heritage more carefully, develop further measures for its study, preservation and promotion.
