We are launching a series of features on the sacred sites of Central Asia, beginning with Turkmenistan.

Mausoleum of Najm al-Din Kubra

A major center of spiritual pilgrimage lies in Kunya-Urgench, the former capital of Khorezm. This is the burial place of Najm al-Din Kubra, founder of the Kubrawiyya Sufi order and one of Central Asia’s most revered mystics. The surviving walls and architectural elements of the 13th-century mausoleum offer a glimpse of the city before the Mongol invasion. Kubra is venerated as a shahid, believed to have died defending Urgench. Pilgrims come here seeking protection, healing, and inner calm. The complex is about an hour’s drive from Dashoguz. An important note: the grounds are extensive, so it is worth allowing time to explore the neighboring mausoleums as well.

Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar

Old Merv preserves one of the most significant monuments of the Seljuk era – the mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar, a 12th-century ruler and a key figure in the history of Khorasan. It is among the few large structures of its time to survive largely intact. Its massive dome once served as a landmark for caravans crossing the desert. Today, the mausoleum remains an important place of pilgrimage. Travelers come to see the resting place of a ruler whose reign is remembered as one of the most stable periods in the region’s history. Merv can be reached from Mary in about an hour.

Parau-Bibi

Near the town of Serdar lies one of Turkmenistan’s most revered sites of women’s pilgrimage. The story of Parau-Bibi is tied to a legend of a pious young woman who became a protector of these lands. Women come to the shrine to pray for health, family protection, and the birth of children. The mazar sits on a mountain slope, reached by a staircase, with a cave and several auxiliary prayer platforms nearby. The site is accessible via the Ashgabat–Balkanabat highway, a journey of about three hours. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable clothing suitable for the climbing.

Old Nisa (Mithradatkert)

An ancient royal fortress of the Parthian era, Old Nisa once served as a residence of the rulers of the Parthian Empire. Its architecture blends Hellenistic, Persian, and local traditions, clearly visible in the surviving walls, arches, and decorative details. Excavations uncovered the famous ivory rhytons, along with sculptures, ceramics, coins, and Parthian documents – discoveries that reshaped a deeper understanding of Parthian culture and governance. In 2007, the complex was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The site is located about 18 kilometers west of Ashgabat, near the village of Bagir, and can be reached by car in 25–30 minutes.

Gozli Ata

A desert road leading toward Balkanabat brings pilgrims to the mazar of Gozli Ata, a sacred site associated with legends of a spiritual mentor. According to tradition, a Sufi sheikh is buried here, and visitors come seeking spiritual support and family well-being. The complex includes a mausoleum, several auxiliary structures, and a large cemetery where pilgrims gather for collective prayers. Gozli Ata is accessible by car, though the route crosses open steppe, making weather conditions an important consideration. Pilgrims often arrive in groups, bring offerings and hold ritual meals.

In Turkmenistan, much is shaped by local traditions, respect for elders, and the transmission of knowledge within communities. For travelers, visiting sacred sites requires preparation: many are located far from cities, facilities may be minimal, and codes of conduct are strict. Yet with these considerations in mind, journeys to the mazars offer a deeper understanding of the country’s spiritual life – and why these places have remained significant to Turkmen communities for centuries.

The material was published in Travel+Leisure Central Asia magazine (February-March 2026)