Nusai (Nisa) — The Ancient Capital of the Parthian Kings

About This Destination

Nusai (also known as Nisa) is one of Turkmenistan’s most significant archaeological sites, located about 18 km west of Ashgabat, at the foothills of the Kopetdag Mountains in the Ahal Region. It was once the royal capital of the Parthian Empire, which flourished between the 3rd century BCE and the 3rd century CE.

History

The Parthians, who succeeded the Seleucids and ruled much of Iran, Central Asia, and Mesopotamia, made Old Nisa (Parthaunisa) their first capital. Later, when the empire expanded, New Nisa was built nearby as an administrative and ceremonial center. Together, these sites reflect the transition from Hellenistic to Iranian civilization, combining Greek artistic elements with Oriental architectural traditions. Architecture and Archaeology Excavations have revealed massive fortifications, royal palaces, temples, wine storage rooms, and treasuries filled with ivory rhytons, decorated ceramics, and coins bearing Parthian kings’ portraits. Among the discoveries are architectural fragments and sculptures that demonstrate a unique synthesis of Greek and Persian styles, symbolizing the Parthian role as a bridge between East and West. The citadel of Old Nisa, surrounded by thick defensive walls and towers, covered an area of about 14 hectares. It was a fortress-palace complex that not only served political and religious purposes but also expressed the cosmic authority of the Parthian monarchs — who were seen as divinely chosen rulers. In 2007, Nisa was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as “an exceptional testimony to the Parthian civilization.” Today, its ruins — with sun-baked bricks, majestic gateways, and mountain views — stand as a timeless link between ancient Iran and modern Turkmenistan, celebrating the nation’s place at the crossroads of world history.

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