Mizdarkhan

Founded in the 4th century BC, Mizadarkhan was once the second-largest city in Khorezm after Konye Urgench.[1] A local legend says it is the burial site of Adam, which may account for its sacred status in ancient times.[2] Mizdarkhan was built close to an older city of fire-worshippers, and Zoroastrianism was practiced here, too. In the medieval period, Zoroastrian and Islamic traditions entwined, as is evidenced by burial sites which have been excavated.

Mizdarkhan thrived until the 14th century when Timur led three campaigns against Khorezm. He attacked Mizdarkhan and reduced it to rubble, and after this the city was depopulated and used solely as a burial place.[1] Most of the mausoleums and the small mosque which are visible today date from this period.[3]

^ a b "The Silk Road". reader.epubee.com. Retrieved 2020-10-31. ^ "Mizdakhan, Nukus, Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan". uzbek-travel.com. Retrieved 2020-10-31. ^ Cite error: The named reference :0 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).