Yaz-Depe Ahal Turkmenistan

The history of Yaz-Depe is deeply embedded within the ancient Indo-Iranian cultural continuum, tracing its origins to the Early Iron Age and reflecting a continuous tradition of civilization that spans millennia, with significant connections to the broader Indian cultural sphere. The site, located in the Murghab alluvial fan near Baýramaly, Turkmenistan, is the type site for the Yaz culture, which emerged around 1500–1400 BCE, succeeding the Bactria–Margiana Archaeological Complex (BMAC) [6]. This period, known as Yaz I (c. 1500/1400–1000 BCE), saw the development of rural settlements centered around fortified structures built on massive platforms, a departure from earlier Bronze Age urban centers [6]. Archaeological investigations by V.M. Masson from 1954 to 1956 were pivotal in establishing the first Iron Age sequence for Margiana and southern Turkmenistan, with Yaz-Depe being a primary focus to understand the origins of Merv culture [7]. The site's evolution continued through the Yaz II period (c. 1000–540 BCE), characterized by the reintroduction of wheel-made pottery, advancements in iron metallurgy, and the expansion of large fortified settlements [6]. This phase is often associated with the Airyanem Vaejah, a homeland of Avestan-speaking tribes, highlighting the site's profound connection to early Zoroastrianism, an ancient Indo-Iranian religion that originated in Central Asia during the 1st millennium BCE [8] [9]. The Achaemenid Empire, which rose to prominence around 550 BCE, incorporated the region, marking the Yaz III period (c. 550–330 BCE) [6] [8]. Despite the political shifts, the cultural and funerary practices at Yaz-Depe demonstrated continuity, including the characteristic absence of burials, which aligns with Zoroastrian excarnation traditions [6]. Archaeological soundings conducted by F. Hiebert in cooperation with the Central Asian expedition between 1989 and 1991 further elucidated the stratigraphic sequence of Yaz-Depe, providing crucial data on its occupation phases [7]. The architectural styles, particularly the presence of fire temples in the broader region, reflect the progressive development of Zoroastrian temple complexes, which influenced the layout of other religious structures, such as Buddhist stupas with their circumambulatory corridors [9]. The migration of Indian architectural styles, including Hindu and Buddhist forms, into Central Asia, as evidenced by structures in Khotan with square bases, multi-storied arrangements, and central pillars, underscores a long history of cultural exchange and shared religious architectural traditions across the region [10]. This continuous interaction ensured that indigenous architectural practices at Yaz-Depe, while distinct, were part of a larger, interconnected cultural landscape. The site's inclusion as part of the State Historical and Cultural Park "Ancient Merv" on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1999 acknowledges its enduring historical and cultural significance, ensuring its preservation as a vital component of the region's ancient heritage . Conservation efforts continue to focus on understanding and protecting the mud-brick structures, which are susceptible to environmental degradation, maintaining this ancient site as a testament to the deep historical roots and cultural continuity of the Indo-Iranian world [7].