Makhtumqoli Fraghi Mausoleum

The Makhtumqoli Fraghi Mausoleum is located in the village of Aq Toqa (Aq Tuqay) in Maraveh Tappeh County, in the north of Golestan Province. It stands on a hill north of the Atrak River, about 40 kilometres west of Maraveh Tappeh. Makhtumqoli Fraghi, the renowned Turkmen poet and mystic, died in 1169 (Solar Hijri) and was buried here beside his father, Dowlat Mohammad Azadi. Construction of the mausoleum began in the 1370s (Solar Hijri), and it was opened in 1378 in the presence of Iranian and Turkmenistani officials.

Designed by the engineer Ane Mohammad Niazi, the mausoleum is a symbol of the cultural bond between Iran and Turkmenistan. On 26 Esfand 1386 it was registered as one of Iran's National Heritage sites under registration number 22251. The building is domed and rests on four tall columns, which reflect the grandeur and stature of Makhtumqoli Fraghi. The area around the mausoleum is set aside for cultural and literary events and, on special occasions, hosts enthusiasts of the culture and literature of Turkmen Sahra.

To reach the mausoleum, you can travel from Gonbad-e Kavus, covering about 155 kilometres along the Incheh Borun road toward Aq Toqa, or from Kalaleh, covering about 130 kilometres along the Maraveh Tappeh road to Aq Toqa. The best time to visit is spring and summer, when the weather is mild and suitable for sightseeing. Admission is free, and the site can be visited every day of the week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.