QIRQ KIZ THE 40 GIRLS' BUILDING

Construction of the fortress began in the ^9th century. The 55 m square earthen wall and its 2.5 m thick walls have given rise to one of Termez's most beautiful legends. Some tales tell of the presence of forty sword-wielding Mongol warriors, led by the beautiful Gavhar. For forty days and nights, they fought against invading nomadic tribes. Impressed by Gavhar's beauty and courage, the enemy chief lifted the siege! But you'll certainly hear other versions...

According to archaeologists, the building served as a country residence for the Mongol rulers of the Samanid dynasty, or as a summer residence for the emir, escaping the dense population and suffocating air of the city by taking advantage of the gardens irrigated by aryks. The building was originally entirely roofed. It was organized around the inner courtyard and comprised some fifty rooms linked by corridors. Thin windows opened on both floors and, thanks to a clever calculation, the sun's rays reached the center of the building at certain times of the day.

In its current state, it's difficult to appreciate the complexity of its architecture, but a visit to the Archaeological Museum will help you to better understand the site, for while part of the walls have been restored, the interior has suffered from the erosion of time on its adobe walls.