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Khazarasp

Property names are listed in the language in which they have been submitted by the State Party.

Uzbekistan (Asia and the Pacific)
Date of Submission: 18/01/2008
Criteria: (i)(ii)(iii)(iv)(v)
Category: Cultural
Submitted by: National Commission of the Republic of Uzbekistan for UNESCO
State, Province or Region: Khorezm Region, Khazarasp District
Coordinates: N41 18 E61 04
Ref.: 5310

Description

Khazarasp is one of the most ancient cities of Central Asia. Many ancient authors of East At-Tabbari (XI century), Arabian historian Al-Istakhri (X century), Beykhaki (XI), Djuveni (XIII century) and many other were mentioned about this city. It is a coeval to Memphis, Rome, Athenes, Merv, Samarkand, Bukhara and many other cities.

Khazarasp was the main advanced post of Khorezm state on the Great Silk Road and the largest trade center in the past. Ruins of this ancient city amaze the looks of visitors until present. The city has been surrounded by the fortifications. Walls are strengthened by towers. At present time, only 12 towers are left. In the southeast corner rises above the citadel tower Dev-Solgan. The height of the walls of kept tops is 12 m, and without them - 10 m. In some places of the wall are totally destroyed. They are combined from pahsa (adobe wall) and adobe bricks.

Archeological researches in Khazarasp confirmed; that it has arisen based on the settlement in the middle of I millennium B.C. In the beginning of the VIII century Khazarasp is known as one of the three most strengthened and large cities of Khorezm. The city arises not as spontaneously developing structure, and as the unique center, that has been being construction simultaneously, according to the common plan.

Justification for Outstanding Universal Value

Satements of authenticity and/or integrity

Khazarasp is the unique and exclusive evidence of the cultural and town-planning tradition, since the most ancient times, including the epoch of antiquity and developed Middle Ages.

The monument has reached our time in ruined condition with partially kept fortifications, a citadel and powerful fortification constructions. In the cultural layers of this site of ancient settlement covered numerous cultural strata since times of Greek-Roman Empire, and even the latest Middle Ages from the epoch of conquered Akheminids.

Comparison with other similar properties

Similar monuments in the territory of Uzbekistan are Afrosiyab in Samarkand, Erkurgan-Nasaf in Qarshi, Toprak Qala in ancient Khorezm. The ancient city is located on route of the Great Silk Road. Conservation works have not made. It is preserved the authenticity. It is possible to investigate the planning and dynamics of their development during 2 thousand years in the example of Khazarasp.