Abdullakhan-Kala, Merv

Abdullakhan-Kala fortress is connected with the name of Tamerlane's son Shakhrukh. It was one of his first constructions on the territory of New Merv. It was completed very quickly. From outside the fortress was lined with mud bricks, the inner space was finished with little square bricks. The walls were furnished with ledges. 44 watchtowers of bended shapes crowned the fortress.

The fortifications were surrounded by huge (up to 30 m in width) moats filled with water. All this proves that Abdullakhan-Kala had an important strategic value and was perfectly designed. There were holes for gun shooting, galleries and other protective means. It made Abdullakhan-Kala an impregnable fortress.