Great Kyz Kala

The Great Kyz Kala is a large fortress in the ancient city of Merv, now in Turkmenistan. The fortress belongs to the köshk or kushk type: an earthen building built on a raised platform, with exterior wall formed of large vertical engaged columns (a series of octagonal half-columns) having the aspect of large corrugations. These fortresses are equipped with internal palatial rooms, often decorated. It occupied an area of 1569.84 m2.

The construction date is rather uncertain, with some authors arguing for an early 6th to 7th century date, attributing it to the Sasanian Empire (224–651). It is also attributed to the 8th/9th century CE, corresponding to the Umayyad or Abassid period.

The Great Kyz Kala was an elite palatial suburban residence, perhaps meant for the use of the governor of Merv. It remained in use until the Seljuks as a function room.

A smaller fortress nearby is the Little Kyz Kala.