Overview

Ekedeshik

Turkmenistan

The Ekedeshik cave-city is located in Tagta-Bazar region and has a status of state historical and architectural preserve. The "ekedeshik" word in Turkmen means "one whole". And actually, enormous cave complex has only one entrance that also ensured its inaccessibility. The origin of complex is covered by mystery. According to one of the legends, the cave was dug out by Alexander the Great’s goblets or the gins took some pains here. However, excavations confirmed the use of caves for dwelling places in I c. B.C.

Cave itself consists of two floors. On the ground floors the unique natural system of water delivery from the underground sources is assembled, while living rooms, kitchens, halls and even certain similarity of altar (here are 44 accommodations in total) are located on the upper levels.

There is an assumption that Ekedeshik served as a monastery. This indicates the fact that in Central Asia cave complexes were used as Buddhist and sometimes also Christian monasteries. Now the archaeological excavations are conducted in the caves and will open the origin of these