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Figure 66: Tentative reconstruction drawing of the suburban area in the mid/late 12th century AD, looking north-east from a position approximately above the Lesser Kyz Kala. Hotspots lead to brief descriptions of the various elements of the landscape. (Drawing by Claire Venables).

Minarets: one major minaret has been excavated just north of the Sanjar complex, but exactly when these started to be constructed is a matter of some debate. Minarets: one major minaret has been excavated just north of the Sanjar complex, but exactly when these started to be constructed is a matter of some debate. The Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar: an impressive fired brick structure which stands at the centre of Sultan Kala. It was located in a complex of buildings, probably including a bath-house, a mosque and a madrasa. The dome, covered in turquoise glazed tiles, was reputed to have been visible, glinting in the sun, a day's camel ride away. Northern caravanserai: part of the commercial use of the area south of the main road leading from Merv. There were a number of substantial caravanserais north of the Great Kyz Kala, near the road and perhaps surrounded by pasture. The caravanserai close to the Kyz Kala is somewhat more conjectural. Northern caravanserai: part of the commercial use of the area south of the main road leading from Merv. There were a number of substantial caravanserais north of the Great Kyz Kala, near the road and perhaps surrounded by pasture. The caravanserai close to the Kyz Kala is somewhat more conjectural. Great Kyz Kala: the largest of the köshks - probably an elite residential building, warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Formal gardens: formal gardens, possibly with water features. Note the kiosk, a pleasure-house, within the garden. Formal gardens: formal gardens, possibly with water features. Note the kiosk, a pleasure-house, within the garden. Formal gardens: formal gardens, possibly with water features. Note the kiosk, a pleasure-house, within the garden. Vineyards: horticultural activity is likely to have taken place close to the city and wine was a well-known product of the region. City walls: the town walls of the city of Sultan Kala, with external bastions at regular intervals, constructed around AD 1080. Figure 66: Reconstruction of suburban area

In this reconstruction the Mausoleum of Kyz Bibi is missing due to debate about its date, although it should probably appear here.