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Constant monitoring and small-scale conservation has been undertaken at the Great Kyz Kala over the past two decades, but the monument is subject to constant erosion, both natural and manmade. Intensive study of the mud-brick structures of Merv has identified the major causes of erosion to be groundwater fluctuation, wind-blown sand, animal, bird and human activities.
This project aims to better understand the monuments by collating and building upon ongoing research on the Great Kyz Kala (and its smaller neighbour the Lesser Kyz Kala) which includes excavation data, remedial conservation and comparative architectural studies. Cutting edge 3D recording and visualisation techniques are being employed in order to record the original fabric of the structure and demonstrate what this kӧshk looked like in the past. Knowledge gained from this phase of the project will then be used as a basis to strategically conserve and present these fascinating and enigmatic monuments.
In order to better understand the monuments, the project will collate and build upon ongoing research on the Great Kyz Kala (and its smaller neighbour the Lesser Kyz Kala) which includes excavation data, remedial conservation and comparative architectural studies. Cutting edge 3D recording and visualisation techniques are being employed in order to record the original fabric of the structure and demonstrate what this kӧshk looked like in the past. Knowledge gained from this phase of the project will then be used as a basis to strategically conserve and present these fascinating and enigmatic monuments. The project consists of four parts, carried out in collaboration with the National Directorate for Protection, Research and Restoration of Cultural-Historical Monuments of the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan, including the Ancient Merv Archaeological Park and CRAterre-ENSAG.
Project Components
Documentation and Preparation Work:
· The collation of information from earlier archaeological, architectural, and conservation recording work.
· New 3D recording of the current state of the moments, including photogrammetric models showing the structure and the surrounding landscape. These will form the basis for the 3D reconstruction of the Great Kyz Kala, and are useful to help various experts visualise, understand and discuss the monument.
· Aerial photography
· Conservation planning: understanding the current condition and threats to the monument.
Conservation: a close collaboration between the Ancient Merv Archaeological Park, CRATerre-ENSAG, and UCL to undertake careful interventions to protect and stabilise this important monument.
Capacity Building: to ensure that conservation and monitoring work is continued within the Ancient Merv Archaeological Park by the local specialists.
Education and Interpretation: the monument is a strong visual component of the park. The project will create visual and textual interpretation, presenting both the significance of the monument and the conservation challenges. The text will be bilingual (English/Turkmen) to make the information accessible to both a local and international audience.
