«Anau – Culture Originated from the Millennia» the book by Arkadagly Hero Serdar

Situated twelve kilometres to the East of Turkmenistan’s capital, Ashgabat, Anau figures prominently on tourist routes on account of its glorious history and rich cultural heritage, the deep roots of which can be traced back over several millennia. Today it is a flourishing modern town. What makes Anau particularly fascinating is its archaeological culture dating back to the Neolithic era and discovered as long ago as the very beginning of the 20th century: it was to become widely known as the «Anau Culture». One of the features making it particularly fascinating for the early visitors, who made their way there, was the famous ensemble of medieval architecture known as Seyit Jemaleddin, which despite its ruined state – the result of the catastrophic earthquake of 1948 – continues to be a focus for international tourism and attract large numbers of pilgrims. The Seyit Jemaleddin complex erected in the 15th century consisted of a madrasah, khanqah and mosque and its portal was renowned on account of its exquisite mosaic decoration. The central field of this decoration adorned strictly symmetrical depictions of two curling dragons with snake-like bodies.