Kyrk- Kyz Fortress

Kyrk-Kyz fortress is located 3 km far from Old Termez. Its location shows that is was the country residence of the ruler. Archeologist can not determine the correct date of fortress’s building. It is supposed, that Kyrk-Kyz was built in XI century and, originally, belonged to Samanidian rulers. Rulers replaced each others till XIV, and fortress’s functions also changed.

Archeologists started excavations in first decades of XX century and discovered unique finds, which proved the historical importance of the fortress. Scientists found different fragments of life items, coins and etc.

What the fortress looks like? It was a two-storied construction with square 54 by 54 meters shape and outer wall had a 2-2,5 meters  thickness, and was flanked by strong towers in the corners. In Kyrk-Kyz building was used mud bricks mixed with adobe, and arched roof was made from backed brick. In accordance with archeological excavation, was established, that the fortress represented four parts. Northwestern and northeastern parts consisted of 5 rooms, linked with each other by corridors. Southwestern one also had 5 rooms and only two corridors. And, there were only one corridor and two rooms in the southeastern part. The rest part of the residence was reception room, which occupied a space of 11 by 11 meters. Supposedly, dervishes were praying there. The residence’s interior was quite simple. The internal decoration is only notable for a variety of refined shapes and masonry design of windows’ and arched embrasures.

People say that a brave queen Gul’aim with her 40 female comrades lived in this fortress. These courageous women resisted attacks of cruel enemies.   That’s why the fortress’s name is translated as “Forty girls”.