Gonur-Tepe – Bronze age archaeological complex

Should you visit Gonur-Tepe during your trip to Turkmenistan?

If you’re interested in the Bronze Age and archaeological sites from that period, you may be considering Gonur-Tepe for your travel to Turkmenistan. It’s a one-day trip from Mary to Gonur-Tepe, but honestly speaking, it’s questionable as to whether it’s worth spending a whole day on. A plus point is that you’ll find lots of interesting objects across the huge site. However, almost all of them are unknown and our guide kept repeating a disclaimer such as “one hypothesis about this is…”

Having said that, I enjoyed walking around the site. My slightly overactive imagination had me wondering how people led their lives in this well-organized complex in ancient times. But this wasn’t the case for my travel partner husband, who said he didn’t know how to see things that we don’t know. Separately, and I share this fact upfront, we were one of only two groups at the site that particular day. Anyway, we went there and I’d like to share what we saw, so you can decide whether you want to go or not!

Walking on fragmented pieces of history

This was how the ground looked, when we arrived and stepped out of the car. Those small fragments of objects were all over the place, and we were literally walking on pieces of history. What a feeling that was!

Furthermore, there were bits of pottery everywhere, in many sections of the settlement.

Some remain more or less in their original shape. You’ll see so many things like this and will even be able to find animal bones. It’s definitely a unique experience.

Walking in and on the remaining settlements

Gonur-Tepe is the largest of 150 ancient settlements in this region dating back to the early Bronze Age (2500-1700 B.C.). It’s also where evidence pointing to early Zoroastrianism ritual has been found. It was a civilized metropolis with not only well-designed streets, houses and temples, but also artificial reservoirs, water canals, a water supply, and sewage systems. You’ll see many of these remaining as you walk around the site.

During the excavations, other evidence of high civilization has also been discovered, including jewels, golden vessels, shrine decorations, mosaic compositions for tombs, etc. Although these are now largely held at the national museum in the capital, Ashgabat, if your guide is able to obtain the key from a local caretaker, you’ll be able to see indoor displays like the one below. 

Now it’s time to decide whether you wish to make Gonur-Tepe part of your itinerary or not!