Davkesen Fortress

Dev Kesken Fortress, also known as Dev-Kesken Kala, is a significant archaeological site located in northern Turkmenistan, approximately 62 km west of Koneurgench, on the Ustyurt Plateau. Its name translates to “castle carved out by demons,” reflecting its mysterious and striking presence in the Karakum Desert. The site consists of the remains of a citadel and the larger ruins of an ancient city called Vazir, dating back to the 4th or 3rd centuries BCE.

The fortress is perched on a 30-meter cliff and features an impressive mud-brick structure with regularly spaced rectangular towers, fluted pilasters, and evidence of upper and lower galleries designed for defensive purposes. Over time, new outer walls and semicircular towers were added, enhancing its strategic fortifications. The site’s architectural elements and its commanding view over the arid landscape make it a unique example of ancient military design.

Vazir, the city associated with the fortress, was an important medieval settlement but eventually declined due to environmental and climatic changes. The drying of rivers, potentially influenced by human interventions like damming, and the overall desertification of the region led to its abandonment around the 16th century. Today, access to Dev Kesken is challenging, requiring special permits due to its location near the Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan border.

The fortress is part of the broader historical context of the Chorasmia region, known for its medieval and ancient settlements influenced by Persian culture. Despite its remote location and under-researched status, Dev Kesken offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and resilience of civilizations that thrived in harsh desert environments.