The Great Kyz Kala is a large ruined fortress in the ancient city of Merv, now in Turkmenistan. [1] It is an example of a köshk or kushk type of fortress: an earthen building built on a raised platform, with exterior walls formed of large vertical engaged columns (a series of octagonal half-columns) with large corrugations.

Gyz Kala and Oglan Kala are remnants of ancient fortresses located near the city of Mary in Turkmenistan, within the archaeological park of Merv. Gyz Kala is sometimes referred to as the 'Maiden’s Castle,' while Oglan Kala is known as the 'Boys' Castle.'

Gyz Galasy（少女塔）位于阿塞拜疆首都巴库。 土耳其有两个Kizkalesi，都位于小岛上：一个堡垒位于伊斯坦布尔，博斯普鲁斯海峡中部，另一个位于地中海沿岸，安塔利亚以东。

Gyz Kala and Oglan Kala are impressive remnants of ancient fortresses located within the vast archaeological site of Merv in Turkmenistan. Merv is one of the oldest and best-preserved oasis-cities along the Silk Road, and it has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Take a step back in time with a guided tour around the ruins of Oglan Kala, which once served as an exquisite palace or fortified castle. The name 'Oglan Kala' translates to ‘Young Man’s Fortress’ and has stood since the early medieval period.

Photos and description of the architecture of Greater Kyz Kala, the ruins of a fortified 7th-12th century palace, known as a köshk.

Keshks can be found both in and around the walls of the Seljuk city – Sultan Kala and elsewhere in the oasis. One of the largest and certainly the best known is the Great Kyz Kala. Nearby is a second, smaller, corrugated building.

Built in the VI century by a Sassanian governor for his eldest daughter its walls consist of half-columns possibly designed to deflect missles. They were pockmarked but not destroyed by Arab siege catapults in 651. Ancient fortress Big Gyz kala. To the left of the mausoleum it is visible ancient fortress Big Gyz kala. Ancient fortress Big Gyz kala.

Inspection of ancient Merv: Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar, Small and Large Gyz-Kala, Mausoleum of Ibn Zeid, Erk-Kala, and Gyaur-Kala. Check-in at the hotel in Mary. Day 3. Trip from Mary to Ashgabat through the Karakum desert to the Darvaza gas crater.

The Great Kyz Kala is a large ruined fortress in the ancient city of Merv, now in Turkmenistan. The fortress belongs to the köshk or kushk type: an earthen building built on a raised platform, with exterior wall formed of large vertical engaged columns having the aspect of large corrugations.