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The UNESCO Sites in Turkmenistan have resulted from the recognition of 3 cultural and natural landmarks as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Turkmenistan and 10 locations on the Turkmenistan UNESCO tentative list. These tourist sites in Turkmenistan are acknowledged for their unique and valuable cultural, natural, artistic, and historical significance and are preserved for future generations.

In addition to these 3 sites in the Turkmenistan UNESCO list, many other places to travel to Turkmenistan are being considered for UNESCO recognition. These sites, listed on the tentative list, showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage and are waiting for approval to join the prestigious and famous World Heritage Sites list.

To help visitors discover these remarkable Turkmenistan tourist attractions, we have assembled an interactive map of the UNESCO sites in Turkmenistan.

Turkmenistan UNESCO Map

Click markers to show information and photo.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Turkmenistan

There are 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Turkmenistan. All of these three sites are listed under the Cultural category.

State Historical and Cultural Park
Kunya-Urgench
Parthian Fortresses of Nisa

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Turkmenistan are protected locations for their cultural and natural importance.

State Historical and Cultural Park

State Historical and Cultural Park “Ancient Merv” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Turkmenistan. The park encompasses the ruins of the ancient city of Merv, an important trade and culture center along the Silk Road. The park features several well-preserved structures, including the Kyz Kala Fortress, the Sultan Kala Fortress, and the Greater and Lesser Gyz Gala, all excellent examples of ancient Turkmenistani architecture. Additionally, the park is home to the Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar, one of the largest and most well-preserved mausoleums from the Seljuk era.

Kunya-Urgench

World Heritage Sites in Turkmenistan — Kunya-Urgench

Kunya-Urgench is a UNESCO World Heritage site in Turkmenistan, featuring well-preserved ancient ruins from the medieval era. The site includes the remnants of the ancient walls surrounding the city of Urgench and served as a defense mechanism during the 10th-14th centuries. The site is home to several key landmarks, including the mausoleums of Turabek-Khanym, Sultan Tekesh, and Il Arslan, which are fine examples of the architectural styles and cultural contributions of the Seljuk Empire.

Parthian Fortresses of Nisa

The Parthian Fortresses of Nisa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the outskirts of Ashgabat, the capital city of Turkmenistan. The fortress is a well-preserved example of the Parthian Empire’s architectural and cultural contributions to the region during the 3rd century BCE. The fortress was the capital of the Parthian Empire and is home to several well-preserved structures, including the royal palace, temples, and defensive walls. The site also showcases the engineering and artistic achievements of the Parthians, including their use of mud bricks and elaborate frescoes. The Parthian Fortresses of Nisa is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in ancient architecture and history.