Cities of Nishapur and Merv

Nishapur and Merv were two prominent ancient cities located in present-day Iran and Turkmenistan, respectively. Nishapur, founded in the 3rd century CE, was a major center of culture, trade, and learning in the Islamic Golden Age, known for its beautiful architecture and scholars like Omar Khayyam. Merv, once a thriving oasis on the Silk Road, reached its peak between the 9th and 13th centuries, serving as a key hub for commerce, religion, and intellectual activity. Both cities played crucial roles in fostering cultural exchange and economic vitality in Central Asia before declining due to invasions and changing trade routes.