Gallery
Description
Property Name: Kyrk-Kyz Fortress
Inventory No: 998-762-3
Date of infill of the inventory form: 2009-08-19
Country (State party): Uzbekistan
Province: Termez
Town:
Geographic coordinates: 37° 15′ 59.55″ N
67° 17′ 24.29″ E
Historic Period: 9th century, 2nd half
Year of Construction: Unknown
Style: Samanid
Original Use: Fortress
Current Use: Cultural
Architect: Unknown
Significance
Kyrk-Kyz (fourty girls) is a large fortress built in the 9th century with mud-brick. Many legends are attached to the fortress. It is a square building composed of 50 vaulted rooms aligned to a small central square. There is a mosque with 6 cupolas inside. Every corner of the building is protected with towers.
Selection Criteria
vi. to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance
State of Preservation
Although it is an ancient building it is well preserved and its 50 meter long murals have been restored.
References
M.Bloom, Jonathan; S.Blair, Sheila. Islamic art and Architecture, Vol 2: Delhi-Mosque, Oxford University Press, New York, p289- 290, 2009