Overview

Serakhs

Turkmenistan

Being the large commercial point on the Great Silk road between Nishapur and Merv, Serakhs lie in the center of a small oasis, located in the upper flow of Tedjen river. In the middle of the first millennium B.C. the first settlement surrounded by clay wall (now this area is called “old Serakhs”) appeared at this place. With arrival of Islam the city became one of the significant centers of caravan roads. The craftsmanship of local architects and builders became known over entire Central Asia. The mausoleum of Abul-Fazul, known also as Seraxs-Baba or Abul-Fazil-Guzi mausoleum is the main adornment of a city. Being built in XI-XII c.c. above the grave of Abul-Fazul Moslem mystic, it is famous for its splendid proportions and finishing that derived it into one of the most significant monuments of medieval architecture. Yarti-Gumbez (XI c.) and Allamberdar (Almutasir XI c.) mausoleums are also interesting