At the confluence of the ancient, now dried-up branches of the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers—Akcha-Darya and Jana-Darya, respectively—lie the unique monuments of the late antique periphery of Khorezm: the Barak-Tam (Barak’s House) complex of fortresses. This includes Barak-Tam (barely preserved), Barak-Tam I, and Barak-Tam II.

These structures were studied by the Khorezm Archaeological and Ethnographic Expedition (KHAEE) of the USSR Academy of Sciences under the leadership of S.P. Tolstov in 1945 and 1946. Both fortresses are relatively small in size and were built from high-quality sun-dried mud bricks of standard Khorezmian antique dimensions (40 x 40 x 10 cm). Their layouts and construction styles are similar, though not entirely aligned with the architectural traditions of antique Khorezm. This suggests they were designed to meet the aesthetic and practical needs of the semi-nomadic aristocracy that inhabited these lands. The two fortresses were likely constructed simultaneously. Barak-Tam I has survived in much better condition than Barak-Tam II. S.P. Tolstov dated Barak-Tam I to the transition period between the 4th and 5th centuries CE.

Barak-Tam I is situated almost at the center of a small rectangular site (100 x 100 meters), which was once enclosed by a thin wall. Today, only faint embankments and a gateway opening, aligned with the fortress entrance, remain. The fortress itself was skillfully constructed by builders—likely Khorezmians or their apprentices—using sun-dried mud bricks mixed with straw (saman), laid in even rows with relatively smooth and thin mortar joints.

The building is two stories high and nearly cubical in shape. The entrance opens into a small annex on the first floor, directly opposite the main gate. Notably, no defensive structures obstruct access to the entrance, nor does the layout suggest a focus on fortification. Similarly, the window openings in Barak-Tam I were not designed for active defense, implying that the semi-nomadic pastoralists who roamed the surrounding lands were formidable enough to deter any enemy from daring to invade this remote area, where their aristocracy resided.

The first floor consists of four residential rooms with vaulted ceilings. Two of these rooms are elongated and parallel, while the other two are almost square, their vaults positioned perpendicularly to the elongated rooms. Three of these rooms have single arrow-slit-style windows, while the last square room lacks windows entirely.

Upon entering the annex, one can proceed directly into the first-floor rooms or turn right into a corridor. This corridor bends at a right angle around the main building, leading to a ramp that is also attached to the main structure. The ramp ascends to the second floor, which contains an elongated passageway and a large ceremonial hall.

The Ceremonial Hall

The ceremonial hall is adorned with arched niches on three of its walls. The fourth wall, separating the hall from the passageway (where the entrance is located), lacks decoration. A large sufa (a raised platform for sitting or reclining) is situated against the wall opposite the entrance, likely reserved for the owner of the fortress. Narrower sufas run along the other walls, presumably for guests or visitors.

S.P. Tolstov noted the presence of carpet impressions on the sufas, evidence of the rich coverings that once adorned them. He also described the hall’s ceiling, supported by two intersecting massive arches made of two rows of mud bricks, which rose significantly higher than the walls. There were no traces of a flat wooden roof. Tolstov speculated that the four corners of the hall might have been covered with fabric or felt, suggesting that Barak-Tam I was a unique hybrid structure, combining elements of antique Khorezmian architecture with features reminiscent of a nomadic yurt.

Traces of a settlement surrounding the estate are visible, including remnants of dozens of houses, ceramic production facilities, and fields. This settlement was likely home to individuals who served the estate, including artisans, farmers, and perhaps Khorezmian foreigners.

Barak Tam I, Karakalpakstan

Historical and Legendary Context

The name “Barak-Tam” (Barak’s House) is tied to a figure from medieval history, Barak Khan, a descendant of Genghis Khan who lived in the 15th century. His influence on the local Turkic tribes was significant enough that his name was immortalized in the designation of this much older complex.

S.P. Tolstov recounts a legend about King Barak in his book Following the Traces of the Ancient Khorezmian Civilization. According to the tale, Barak, a cruel and obstinate ruler, lived in the better-preserved fortress (Barak-Tam I), while his enormous hunting eagle, the offspring of the mythical bird Angka, resided in the other fortress (Barak-Tam II). One day, Angka came to visit its son. Barak, preparing for a hunt, demanded the eagle’s presence. Despite warnings from his advisors not to disturb the eagle’s reunion with its mother, Barak insisted. Enraged, the eagle seized Barak and his horse with its talons, carried them into the sky, and dashed them to the ground. Barak was buried in his fortress, the area fell into ruin, and caravans avoided this cursed place ever since.

Alternative Interpretations

Another version of the Barak legend lacks the ominous tone of the one recorded by KHAEE. In this account, Barak, a descendant of Genghis Khan who lived in the 15th or 16th century, reconstructed an ancient fortress originally built in the 6th century BCE. The locals named the preserved fortress Barak-Tam (“Barak’s House”) in his honor. Barak met his end at the talons of his eagle, which, unable to find food in the desert, turned on its master. Barak’s son, Janibek, later became a Khan of the Kazakhs.

It is also said that a network of underground tunnels once connected the three fortresses. In earlier times, a passage leading to a dark cellar could still be seen in Barak-Tam, though even local children avoided entering it. Today, the passage has been filled with sand.

Mythological Associations

The KHAEE legend may preserve echoes of the mythical Indo-Iranian bird Simurgh (later known by its Persian name), which was associated in medieval Islamic culture with the bird Angka (possibly a local pronunciation of the Arabic “Anqa”). Islamic traditions link the Anqa to the ancient Arabian tribe of Ashab ar-Rass, mentioned in the Quran. A prophet named Hanzala, sent to preach monotheism to this tribe, was said to have rescued them from the destructive Anqa birds, but they rejected his teachings and were ultimately punished by God.

The legend’s underlying intent may have been to depict Barak Khan in a negative light. Historical fragments suggest that his behavior in the final years of his life was controversial and may have earned him the enmity of certain tribes.