In the Ellikqala District of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, just 26 kilometers northeast of the city of Turtkul, the majestic shapes of one of the largest medieval fortresses of Khorezm - Big Guldursun comes into view before the eyes of travelers. Perched on a natural hill, the fortress stands as a sentinel of time, preserving the memories of bygone eras and significant events that unfolded on these lands. Every stone of its walls breathes history, narrating tales of cultural exchanges and the legacy left by ancient civilizations.
Big Guldursun, dating back to the 4th–3rd centuries BC and continuing its existence until the 12th–13th centuries AD, is one of the major border fortresses of ancient Khorezm, built upon the foundations of an abandoned ancient fortification.
The fortress has a rectangular plan, measuring 350 by 230 meters, with its walls oriented towards the cardinal points. The entrance to the fortress, located in the center of the southeastern wall, is protected by a rectangular foregate labyrinth.
The walls and towers of Big Guldursun are constructed using rammed earth (a material widely used for adobe buildings in Central Asia during ancient and medieval times) at the base, and sun-dried bricks in the upper sections. The ancient walls and towers that have survived to this day reach a height of 15 meters, forming the primary structure of the medieval fortress wall, reconstructed by the Khorezmshahs in the 12th–13th centuries.
Arched passages are visible in the rammed earth wall.
After the collapse of the inner wall coverings, two rows of ancient loopholes arranged in a chessboard pattern have been revealed, exposing interesting architectural design and the defensive capabilities of the fortress.
During archaeological excavations inside the fortress, a significant amount of pottery, jewelry, bronze artifacts, as well as ancient and medieval coins were discovered. These artifacts are carefully preserved in the State Museum of Arts of the Republic of Karakalpakstan named after I.V. Savitsky, serving as a testament to the rich heritage of culture, art, and crafts of ancient Khorezm. Each piece offers insight into the daily life and artistic achievements of the people who once inhabited this storied region, highlighting the area's historical significance and its role as a center of trade and cultural exchange.
Based on the findings of coins, it can be concluded that the last period of habitation at Guldursun dates back to 1220, coinciding with the rule of Muhammad Khorezmshah and the time of Genghis Khan's invasion of Khorezm. The inability of Khorezmshah Muhammad to organize a unified resistance due to internal strife ultimately led to the destruction of the state.
The geographical coordinates of the Guldursun fortress are N41°41'35.57" E60°58'52.16".