The capital of the Khwarazmian dynasty - Kunya-Urgench

The capital of the Khwarazmian dynasty - Kunya-Urgench

Kunya-Urgench was once the capital of the Khwarazmian dynasty, which was later destroyed by the Mongol Empire led by Genghis Khan. In Kunya-Urgench, Genghis Khan initiated one of the bloodiest massacres in history.

Despite the devastation, Kunya-Urgench underwent rapid reconstruction. The minarets, mosques, madrasas and fortresses rebuilt became the models of later Islamic architecture. The talents of the craftsmen and architects were appreciated by Timur’s Empire, which spent much money to recruit them to build the landmarks in Samarkand.

Today, the old city of Kunya-Urgench has been lost and only certain monuments remain, the most famous of which is the 60m Kutlug-Timur Minaret. Kutlug-Timur was an important official and the son-in-law of Uzbeg (Öz Beg, khan of the Golden Horde).

The minaret rises above a huge plain, with a wide body and a narrow tip. Whether you are looking from a distance or next to it, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the minaret.