The ancient settlement of Toprak-Kala

The ancient settlement of Toprak-Kala appeared presumably in the III-IV centuries of the new era. It is located a few kilometers from Urgench, but according to experts in the history of these regions, it is from there that you need to start exploring the city.

Scientists believe that Toprak-Kala, which means "fortress covered with earth," was the capital of the ancient Khorezm state. Today, only a corner fragment of the fortress has been preserved from the settlement, but thanks to it it is possible to assess the scale of the structure. It was a rectangular citadel with 10-meter walls. The territory of the fortress was located on an area of 120 hectares.

During the archaeological excavations (1945-1950) in Toprak-Kala, a palace was found, or rather its remains. This grandiose building has 150 halls and other rooms. Many sculptures, paintings, bas-relief panels and other cultural and household items were found in it. Archaeologists have found a written archive of palace records on leather, which is of great historical value.

The height of the palace reached 40 meters. During the excavations, other castles were found, as well as residential buildings of the townspeople. Today, all of them are included in the single archaeological complex of Toprak-Kala, which is under the protection of UNESCO.