Toprak Kala, a photo from Nukus, West

Photographer's Note

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Moving onto another of the ruined gems of the autonomous republic of Karakalpakstan - Toprak Kala in the autonomous republic of Karakalpakstan sometimes spelt Topraq Kala). It is another location that has missed out on other TE members visiting. It should show up easily on a google search.
Toprak Kala is an ancient abandoned city further east than Chilpyk. It dates from the 1st to 5th century. It was built of mud bricks on a rocky outcrop. As with Chilpyk the mud is gradually getting washed away.
The river in my previous photo used to flow near the city but at one stage changed course and that was the end of Toprak Kala. In recent years there has been a lot of interest from archaeologists.
It is a great place to explore with its maze of buildings and rooms. Some of the walls have sculptured shapes. There is no temple but one area was the king's palace.

jemaflor, PaulVDV, Fis2, holmertz, Royaldevon, jhm, PiotrF has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

jemaflor (146412) 2020-06-25 22:58

Hi Ian,
Interesting ruins well presented, good in Fg, nice sunny light well captured, good depth effect with this perspective, tfs.

emka (157292) 2020-06-26 0:20

Hello Ian, I have a photo of Chilpyk from the road but of poor quality. I was in a similar place near Nukus. It is quite impressive, difficult to see what are the ruins, what are just the sand rocks.
Best regards MAlgo

PaulVDV (62810) 2020-06-26 0:22

Hello Ian,
Although the mud is gradually getting washed away, we can still see some of the decorations on the sides of the walls. But I have the impression that visitors have also left their mark there.
Beautiful with the surrounding green landscape behind the top.
Best regards, Paul

Fis2 (169903) 2020-06-26 0:29

Witaj Lan!
A very interesting place, view is impressive.
Good framing and colors.
Excellent light and sharpness.
Well done.
Good evening.
Krzysztof

pajaran (115071) 2020-06-26 1:36

Pozdrav.
Lep pogled, interesantan tekst ...
Lepa stara arhitektura. Lepa rusevina Toprak Kala.
Lepo pokazano.
Zelim vam sve najbolje.
Paja.

Greeting.
Nice view, interesting text ...
Beautiful old architecture. Beautiful ruin Toprak Kala.
Nicely shown.
I wish you all the best.

holmertz (102104) 2020-06-26 1:42

Hello Ian,
A fascinating picture from the "earth castle" or "mud castle", as it means in Turkish. It's no surprise that archaeologists should be interested in this place. Even for amateurs it should be interesting to see all these walls and narrow streets between the ancient buildings. At least one interior wall seen here is very nicely decorated.
Best regards,
Gert

Royaldevon (85678) 2020-06-26 3:48

Hello Ian,

Such a place to explore would be like Heaven to me!
I love ancient history!

The diversion of the river would, in ancient times slowly mean the death of an associated city, it happened a few times in Egypt, when the Nile altered course.

You have certainly captured the impression of an ancient, archaeological site. Some details of circular carvings are still evident.

My warm regards,
Bev :-)

Silvio1953 (220775) 2020-06-26 4:10

Ciao Ian, great view of fascinating ruines, fine details, excellent clarity, splendid light and wonderful colors very well done, my friend have a good weekend ciao Silvio

rychem (72187) 2020-06-26 7:45

A perfect photo of the archeological site, if rain and wind destroy these mud bricks, then your photo will be an interesting document in the future,
Regards Ryszard

jhm (211734) 2020-06-26 10:40

Hello Ricardo,

Pleasant panorama view with the ruins.
Soft colours and lovely to look at.
Lovely sharp and clear photographed.
Very well done, TFS.

Have a nice day,
John.

lousat (138703) 2020-06-26 14:54

Hi Ian,a missed this place too,but fortunately we have a great reporter as you,and another time your post and notes are very interesting,thanks for share and have a nice weekend,Luciano

PiotrF (54246) 2020-06-27 16:42

Hello Ian,
Interesting picture from Toprak Kala, unique place.
I like good composition and nice color.
Fine presentation.
Regards
Piotr