The heads of German museums completed a trip to Turkmenistan
After the triumphant opening in Berlin of the exhibition “Margiana - the kingdom of the Bronze Age in Turkmenistan”, which has been admired by archaeologists and fans of ancient art and history in Germany for almost a year, German museum workers did not miss the chance to visit the Karakum desert and at least fleetingly familiarize themselves with the historical monuments that the land of Turkmen is so rich with.
The sensational discovery of the fifth center of world civilization - Margiana - stirred up interest in historical sites on the territory of the Silk Road. Today, scholars come to Turkmenistan to explore the rich heritage of ancient cities and kingdoms that are included in the annals of history and have become part of the great past of humanity.
At the moment, it is the country of Margush that causes heightened interest among historians. The more they study it, the more delightful the kingdom becomes among the seemingly lifeless Karakum.
During their stay in Turkmenistan, German leaders and museum specialists got acquainted with a true architectural treasure - the Seyit Dzhemaletdin mosque, built in the 15th century and destroyed by the earthquake of 1948.
The unique structure is famous for a colorful mosaic depicting two dragons. Until now, scientists argue how and why the Adzharha dragons, considered evil demons, appeared on the portal of the mosque.
According to the well-known archaeologist and art historian Galina Pugachenkova, the dragon was the guardian symbol of the tribe that inhabited the territory of modern Anau. It is to this tribe, according to the researcher, that Sheikh Jemaletdin also belonged, whose resting place is also included in the mosque’s complex.
But people tell a completely different story. According to legend, in ancient times these lands were ruled by the beautiful and wise Queen Jemal. By her order, a bell was set at the city wall. Anyone in need of help — a poor man, a tired traveler, or a lonely person — could call it and get support and care.
Once the townspeople were alarmed by the particularly loud beats of the bell. Reaching the city gates, they were horrified to see that a huge dragon had called in it. He wriggled, but did not attack, but seemed to point to the mountains, and then to the artisans with saws and axes.
The wise queen commanded the craftsmen to follow the dragon, and they reluctantly submitted. The dragon led them to the mountains, where they saw another dragon writhing in pain. He swallowed the horned goat entirely, and the sharp horns of the animal stuck in his throat.
The masters bravely entered the serpent’s open mouth and began to cut the goat’s horns, saving the dragon from torment. In gratitude for the salvation of his friend, the first dragon gave them so many treasures that they could barely carry them away.
The next morning, there were already two dragons at the gates of the city, and even more gold and precious stones. It was a gift to the wise queen, who ordered to use these funds to build a mosque, called the “House of Beauty” for the elegant mosaic ornament and to perpetuate the images of two grateful dragons...
The next place of visit for the German specialists was Old Nisa - the residence of the Parthian kings, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The excavations of Old Nisa is a place of pilgrimage for archaeologists from around the world, a favorite attraction of historians and researchers.
Old Nisa is a fortress, a royal reserve, a place where the most interesting finds were made. The remains of the royal palaces of the Arshakid dynasty, barracks, treasuries, rhytons, golden vessels, coins, marble statues have been excavated here.
On March 16th, a delegation of executives and specialists from German museums, having completed their visit, flew to Germany. On the eve of his departure, the director of the Museum of the Ancient and Early History of Berlin, Matthias Wemhof, shared his impressions of the famous finds of Margiana, which are currently on display in Germany’s largest museums, as well as on the prospects for cooperation with Turkmen colleagues.
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