Mizdakhkan Archaeological Complex

Uzbekistan is full of surprises. Rich culture, interesting history and fantastic legends envelop our country. Amazing places can lurk in the most unexpected corners, harboring the gloomy spirit of ancient monuments.

The Mizdakhkan Necropolis is an ancient cemetery, an archaeological complex of structures located 40 minutes from the city of Nukus, covering two hundred hectares of land. There are ancient tombs here, some of which have a 2,400-year history. Mizdakhkan is one of the oldest and largest cemeteries in the Central Asian region. Since ancient times, this place has attracted numerous pilgrims with its sacredness and mystery. The latest burials date back to the 14th century.

According to legend, there is a "World Clock" or "Apocalypse Clock" on the territory of the cemetery, counting down to the end of the world. Every year, a brick falls out of the wall of the "clock" and, as legend has it, when the last brick falls, the apocalypse will happen. Therefore, the pilgrims who come here carefully collect the stones, carefully stacking them side by side and reciting a prayer for salvation.

Approaching Mizdakhkan, it can already be seen from afar, because it is located on three hills near the city of Khojeyli, in the middle of the Turkic steppes. Among the numerous tombstones are the sacred mazars and the Jumart Kassab mound, the heart of the necropolis. The fabulous city of the dead appears in all its glory.

There is no exact historical data about Mizdakhan, but the name of this place is consonant with the name of the Zoroastrian deity Mazda (or Ahura Mazda, the supreme god), mentioned in the holy book Avesta. It is also known that the first man of the Zoroastrian religion, Gayomard, is buried under the Jumart Kassab mound. Many scientists relate this version to the burial place of Adam.

Also on the territory of the necropolis you will see the underground mausoleum of Princess Mazlumkhan Sulu and the mausoleum of Shamun Nabi, the Giaur-Kala fortress, the mausoleums of Khalfa Yerezhep and Mademin Khan, the Caravanserai, the Kiryk-shopan fortress, the Jomart-Kassap tower, the madrasah and other graves. There are countless mazars throughout the cemetery, which have a thousand-year history. Some of them are so well-built that they have practically not lost their original appearance. Ancient relics can be seen near the graves: fragments of various utensils, vessels, and cesspools.

The settlement of Mizdazhkan was located near the necropolis. It originated in the IV-III centuries BC and was located on the western hill of Giaur-Kala. The settlement was destroyed several times, first during the invasion of Genghis Khan, and then in 1338 during the campaign of Amir Timur.

Another interesting detail of the necropolis. The number seven often appears on the territory of the entire cemetery in one way or another. At this point, the number seven began to play a special role. Many pilgrims consider it obligatory to assemble a pyramid of seven bricks near the "World Clock", as there is a belief that good will prevail, and only a happy life awaits ahead.