In the territory of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, numerous ancient fortresses and archaeological monuments are scattered, vividly reflecting the historical significance of this region along the Silk Road. The oldest of them date back to the 7th century BC. Among them, the ruins of the majestic fortresses of Ayaz-kala, Toprak-kala, and Jampyk-kala stand out, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. Even the smallest fortresses provide insight into the intense struggles for this territory and the measures taken by people to protect themselves.
The archaeological monument of Ayaz-kala, located on the eastern slope of the Sultanuyzdag mountain range, is situated 30 kilometers from the city of Buston, in the Ellikala district of the Republic of Karakalpakstan. It consists of a complex of three fortresses that stretch around a hill approximately 100 meters high. Enduring powerful winds for centuries, the ruins of the Ayaz-kala complex majestically rise, like silent witnesses to the history that unfolded in this land.
The Ayaz-kala I settlement is one of the majestic defensive fortresses built in the 4th to 3rd centuries BC on the edge of the Kyzylkum Desert to protect against nomadic raids.
This monument, with its rectangular shape, is surrounded by double walls that have been remarkably preserved and stand 10 meters tall, topped with two-tiered galleries and towers featuring embrasures. 
These walls, like silent witnesses, hold echoes of significant historical events, presenting themselves as guardians of age-old secrets. Each arch and every vault seems to whisper about the bygone times when the fortress effectively safeguarded its lands from external enemies. Each crack and broken stone carries traces of the past, immersing us in the atmosphere of the eras when life thrived here.
The oval fortress of Ayaz-kala II was constructed between the 6th and 8th centuries AD atop a conical hill approximately 40 meters high, located to the southwest of Ayaz-kala I. The steep slopes of the hill provided reliable protection for the fortress against invasions from the north, west, and south, creating a natural barrier to enemies.
The fortress was connected to a square palace by a long, gently sloping ramp that descended from the southwest, ensuring a safe retreat in case of an attack on the palace. The palace, built around the 4th century AD, was described as the most magnificent building of the medieval period throughout Central Asia. Its spacious halls adorned with elegant columns, grand ceremonial platform, wall paintings, and sacred fire temple created an atmosphere of grandeur. During excavations, coins from the Khorezmian kings of the Afrigid dynasty were discovered here. Unfortunately, the palace was destroyed by two fires.
The fortified structure of Ayaz-kala III is a fortified complex in the shape of a parallelogram, situated on the open plain below the fortresses of Ayaz-kala I and Ayaz-kala II. Surrounded by a double wall featuring numerous watchtowers and powerful entrance gates protected by a complex labyrinth, the fortress served as a major fortified garrison or as the residence of a ruler during the era of the Kushan Empire. Remnants of farming estates, including residential buildings, agricultural lands, and vineyards, have been found around the walls of the fortress.
The landscapes in this area are truly breathtaking. The panoramic views fill the soul with a sense of absolute freedom. The remnants of the fortress fortifications awaken the imagination, allowing one to envision how life flowed here thousands of years ago.
The Ayaz-kala yurt camp, overlooking the ruins of the ancient city of Ayaz-kala, the Sultanuizdag mountains, the sandy dunes of the Kyzylkum desert, and lake Ayazkul, offers tourists an unforgettable experience.
Exciting excursions to the mysterious ruins of the fortresses are organized here, along with authentic Karakalpak dishes prepared over an open fire, tastings of valuable camel milk, and thrilling camel rides. In the evening, guests are treated to stunning steppe sunsets and sunrises
and at night, they are delighted by incredibly bright stars accompanied by enchanting exotic music.
Geographic coordinates: 42.014156, 61.029175