Mary
TurkmenistanBWk
© OpenStreetMap, CARTO
Üstümüzäki | Above us
Why visit
The ruins of ancient Merv form one of Central Asia's most important archaeological sites, once a Silk Road metropolis to rival Damascus and Baghdad, with the Sultan Sanjar mausoleum still standing in austere brick. The Mary Regional Museum houses extraordinary Bronze Age finds from the Margiana civilization. Hajji Gurbanguly Mosque is the city's modern landmark. Use Mary as a base for the Karakum Desert and the gas-crater at Darvaza (the 'Door to Hell') four hours north.
When to avoid
Turkmenistan is one of the world's most restrictive states, visas require advance approval and a state-licensed guide for most itineraries. Independent travel is essentially impossible. Photography of government buildings, military, and infrastructure is forbidden. Internet is heavily filtered. Summer is dangerously hot (45°C+). Avoid June to August. Currency exchange is bureaucratic. Carry US dollars in pristine condition.