Dayahatyn Caravanserai — The Jewel of the Silk Road

About This Destination

Dayahatyn (also known as Dayakhatyn, Daya-Khatyn, or Bay Khatyn in folk legends) is a magnificent medieval caravanserai located on the left bank of the Amu Darya River, about 170 km northwest of Türkmenabat in the Lebap Region.

History

Originally built in the 9th century by Tahir ibn Husayn as a fortress, it was transformed during the 11th–12th centuries into a caravanserai — a resting place for merchants and travelers along the Great Silk Road. The square complex (53 × 53 meters) displays extraordinary Seljuk-era brickwork, demonstrating the architectural mastery and artistic refinement of medieval Turkmen builders. Legends surround its origin: one tells of a nobleman named Bay who doubted his wife’s loyalty. To prove her faithfulness, she built the splendid caravanserai — hence the name Bay Khatyn. Another tale speaks of a ruler who sought refuge from a woman named Daya, giving rise to the name Dayahatyn. Today, Dayahatyn is a nationally protected monument under restoration and has been proposed for the UNESCO World Heritage List. It stands as one of the finest surviving caravanserais in Central Asia, admired for its symmetry, brick ornamentation, and deep connection to Silk Road heritage.

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