British Academy: The UK's National Academy for the Humanities and Social Sciences

After Alexander: Central Asia Before Islam

The fortifications of Parthian and Sasanian Gobekli

G A Koshelenko

Gobekli-depe is located on the north-west edge of the Merv oasis. It was in existence for three periods, the Early Iron Age and the Parthian and Sasanian periods. There was a fortified residence on a high platform during the Early Iron Age (Yaz-2 and Yaz-3), after which it was abandoned.

During the Parthian period (1st century AD) the rulers began to re-settle lands in the northern part of the oasis. A fortress with a large central building was erected above the ruins of the former residence. The fortress was square in plan with towers at each corner and another by the narrow gate in the centre of the south wall. There were intra-mural corridors. There were two identical periods during the life of these fortifications.

The fortress was rebuilt in the Early Sasanian period. The Parthian building was filled in and another building erected on top. Its plan was unusual and no parallels have been found. The fortifications were also rebuilt, retaining their former shape - walls with internal corridors, four corner towers and a gate tower. Several stages in the re-building have been identified. At the end of Gobekli-depe’s existence major changes were introduced: the internal corridors were divided by transverse walls to form ‘accommodation units’ consisting of two or three small rooms. Doors were cut through the internal wall leading into these ‘apartments’. The site was abandoned at the end of the 4th century AD (no coins were found later than Shapur II).

The Sasanian fortifications of Gobekli-depe can be compared with those at Erk-kala, Gyaur-kala and Chilburj.