Archaeological sites of Chardzhou oasis of Lebap region on the trading lines of ancient and medieval trading-caravan tracks (Eastern Turkmenistan)

Archaelogical research of Lebap region in Turkmenistan (Average Amu Darya) allows to detect presence of several trading lines, particularly those passing through Amul and Odey-depe to Khorezm and lower reaches of Amu Darya, and also other regions of Average Amu Darya, operating since the period of early iron century and at times of occurrence of these lands in structure of Kushan Empire. They passed on the left coast of Amu Darya and completely coincided with later – medieval trading ways. The data of medieval period authors about trading-caravan tracks, cities, settlements which were parking lot for dealers and caravans, is confirmed by materials of archaeological research of sites of the left bank Amu Darya within the bounds of Chardzhou oasis of East Turkmenistan. We proceed describing the remains of settlements of Chardzhou oasis and the historical region Amul, whose historical center was the city Amul – Chardjui. It is well known according to the data of written sources and the results of archaeological work on the city site. The major settlement of the oasis is also Odei-depe. There are no other major urban settlements in the oasis. Among the extant objects of the oasis are Iasi-depe, Shay-Zengir-depe, Arapkhana, Movyz-ovliya, Baragizkent, Kosha-kala, Terezegan-depe, Shor-depe, Gebekly, Khandepe. The majority of these objects are mainly studied on the level of reconnaissance and require large-scale archaeological research that will allow to obtain new information about trading and cultural contacts and ties in the region.