Cities and settlements of Darghan oasis from the left bank of Amu Darya river in the system of ancient and medieval trading-caravan tracks (based on archaeological data of Lebap region in Turkmenistan)

Purpose. The article characterizes and sums up historical and archaeological studies of the sites within Dargan oasis on the left bank of the Amu Darya, the remains of which are located along ancient and medieval trade and caravan routes. On the basis of the study of the archaeological materials collected, we confirm the basic data of the written sources about the cities and towns of the historical Southern Khorezm region that geographically corresponds to the monuments preserved in Dargan oasis of Eastern Turkmenistan. Results. The written sources and archaeological data available indicate that the oases and the cities of East Turkmenistan along the banks of the Amu Darya were situated on the trade and caravan routes and included in the system of the Silk Road. The archaeological materials obtained while studying the sites in northern Lebap within Dargan oasis characterize the role of the cities, settlements and caravanserais located on trade and caravan routes in ancient times and the Middle Ages. On the territory between the northern boundary of Chardjou oasis and Daya-Khatyn caravanserai there are some ruins of several fortified fortresses and rebates, which are further destroyed under the influence of natural factors and human activities. Among them Ispas-kala settlement played an important role being a site of crossing the Amu Darya. Among other small medieval villages, it is necessary to pay attention to the ruins of the Qala-i-Moore, Sengir-Kala, Tashahyr, Sangrabat, Sayfan. The fortress of Kala Kosh-I and Kosh-Kala-II are of particular interest as important objects of the Kushan empire fortification erected to repel invasions from Khorezm. The remains of the caravanserai Rabat Tahir (now the ruins of Daya-Khatyn) present another important trade and craft object of unique architecture. Archaeological studies have provided new data on the origin and development of this site in the Middle Ages. The centre of Dargan Oasis (the historical region of Southern Khorezm) is Dargan-Kala fortress located in the modern village Birata (former Dargan), which has been examined briefly so far. Near the town of Dargan Ata there is a mausoleum. One more important center of trade on the caravan route from Amul to Gurganj (the capital of Khorezm) is a medieval town Dzhigerbent, where remains of fortifications, industrial and residential buildings were discovered. Further on, on the trading route between the towns of Dargan and Dzhigerbent, there are ruins of Ak-Rabat caravanserai. Among the major trade and craft centers along trade and caravan routes there were also cities of Sadvar, Kaparas and Elharas, which are relatively well studied in terms of archaeology. Conclusion. Studies have shown that in the region along the banks of the Amu Darya within Dargan oasis there are remains of large and medium mounds and settlements which used to be centers of trade and crafts in ancient and medieval times. Further historical and archaeological studying of these ancient and medieval towns, settlements and caravanserais remains within the Lebap region of Turkmenistan, located on the trade and caravan routes along the Silk Road, is an important task for archaeologists and historians.