Astanababa Architectural Complex - a unique monument of Turkmenistan

The medieval architectural complex of Astanababa, located in Lebap province near the city of Kerki, is among the popular holy places of Turkmenistan. This is reported by the TurkmenPortal online publication.

The complex includes a mosque and tombs whose history dates back to the 12th century. It is part of the Kerki Historical and Cultural Reserve and is protected by the state. The monument has another name - the mausoleum of Zeid Ali and Zubeida Ali.

The study of the medieval monument began in 1899 by Russian orientalist Boris Litvinov. It was he who collected oral stories and legends from local residents. Academician Mikhail Masson concluded from the artifacts found here that people lived here for two thousand years, practiced agriculture and crafts. In 1948 art historian and archaeologist Galina Pugachenkova determined that the mosque was the first built object of this complex, and other buildings were erected later.