Merv is also spelled as Merw or, Marv and it is also known as Merve Oasis. People have been living in the area at least since the 3000 BC. Merv was once one of Asia's most magnificent cities and it changed hands frequently. The region has part of th Islamic caliphate, Khorasan and the Seljuk Empire.

In 1789, it was abandoned and nowadays only ruins remain.

There are numerous legends about Merv's history. One suggests the city was founded by Zoroaster. The only thing we know for sure is that Merv was an important trading place on a Silk Road. Merv's heyday was during the 11th and 12th centuries, when it was the capital of the Seljuqs.

Excavations in Merv started in 1885 and since then countless historical artefacts have been unearthed. Actually, in the area are the ruins of no less than 5 walled cities. You'll have to be a professional archaeologist to make anything of it though, as there is not much more left than some ditches, earthwork mounds and ruined sandy-brick buildings.

• Erk Gala is the oldest part of Merv. It dates from the 7th century BC. Its name means 'citadel fortress' and that is exactly what it was.
• Gäwürgala was founded during the early Hellenistic era. The city has been continuously inhabited under a series of Hellenistic rulers, the Parthians and then under the Sassanids. During the first 2 centuries under Islamic rule, Gäwürgala gained in importance. Some of the most visible remains of the city include its defensive walls. Large amounts of pottery sherds were found just outside these defensive intallations, as well as ancient coins and a well-preserved pottery kiln. These findings suggest that Gäwürgala seems to have been an important craftsmen's center throughout large periods of its existence.
• Soltangala got its name from 'Sultan Qala' (the sultan's fortress). It is the largest city in Merv by far. Soltangala was established west of Gäwürgala's walls. Defensive walls were then constructed around Soltangala and the city became the most important part of Medieval Merv. Countless köşks (fortified building) have been unearthed in Soltangala, hinting at a long time of prosperity. The Great Kyz Qala (maiden's fortress) is the largest and best-preserved Abbasid köşk in Merv. It is located just outside Soltangala's western wall and it used to have 17 rooms. The most interesting remains are those of Seljuq constructions though. The Seljuqs conquered Merv in 1037 and revitalized the city and it became the most important center in the region. Some of the most important structures included the Shahryar Ark (the Sovereign's citadel) with the Seljuk palace at its center. Another building in the Shahryar Ark is kepderihana. The 12th century mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar is the best-preserved structure in Merv.
• The walled city of Shaim Kala was established in the 7th century.
• Abdyllahangala is the post medieval Timurid era city to the south of the main complex.

• The Great Ice House dates from the 7th century.
• Great Kyz Qala (fortress).
• The Kyz Bibi mausoleum complex.
• Little Kyz Qala (fortress).
• The Mausoleum of Ahmad Sanjar. The Seljuq sultan was laid to rest there.
• The Mausoleums of Two Sahabi brothers, al-Aslamī and al-Ghifari.
• The most impressive building in Merv is Sultan Sanjar's mausoleum.
• The Tomb of the Eskhab brothers.

There are some hotels and restaurants at Merv, but most people prefer to stay in Mary, where more facilities are available. Merv is just east of Mary and 315 km east of Ashgabat.

UNESCO has listed the site of ancient Merv as a World Heritage Site.