Nohur (Nokhur) is a village and administrative center of Nohur geňeşligi in Baherden District, Ahal Province, Turkmenistan. Located in the scenic Kopetdag mountain range, this region is notable for its sacred sites tied to Persian mythology, particularly the legend of the Peri. Among these landmarks, the Gyz-Bibi cave stands out as a major point of cultural and historical interest.
The origin of the village’s name has been a subject of debate. As stated by the Government of Turkmenistan, some residents believe the name traces back to Noah, as many locations in the area bear Biblical names. Others attribute the origin to the Peri, with “no” and “hur” interpreted as “nine peri” in Persian. The Turkmen scholar Soltanşa Atanyýazow, in his dictionary of Turkmen place names, proposed that Nohur is an ethnic name and suggested two interpretations: “the place of the nine beauties” (based on the Persian words no, meaning "nine," and huri, meaning "beautiful girl") or “the place of Noah’s son Nohur.” Interestingly, in Persian, nohur is also the plural form of the word nahr, meaning "throats."
Another theory posits that the name originates from Persian words translating to “ten donkeys,” referring to the purported arrival of the village’s early settlers on donkeys. This explanation is also mentioned in the official Turkmenistan government article about Nohur.
The Nohur area is divided into Upper Nohur and Lower Nohur. Upper Nohur comprises the villages of Garawul and Kone-Gummez and is administratively part of the Ýeňiş Farmers’ Association. In total, the cultivated area spans approximately 15,500 hectares. Lower Nohur includes the Old Nohur village, serving as a focal point for the local community.
Nohurli, the tribe inhabiting this area, maintain a distinctive lifestyle and cultural identity. Geographical isolation has helped preserve many local customs and traditions. According to local lore, the Nohurli trace their ancestry to soldiers in Alexander the Great’s army, and a rock in the village is said to bear the hoofprint of Alexander’s horse.
The village is known for its traditional way of life, local legends, mountain scenery, and distinctive cultural heritage. Visitors interested in Turkmen culture can learn more about Nohur through the government's travel feature on the village.
The Turkmen dialect spoken in the village is known as Nohur, reflecting the distinct cultural identity of the community. The local language and customs form part of the wider diversity of Turkmen language and culture.
Nokhur has become a destination for nature lovers, hikers, and adventure enthusiasts. Visitors are drawn to its mountain landscapes, traditional village life, waterfalls, and historic sites. The surrounding Kopetdag Mountains provide a scenic setting for exploring the natural beauty of the Ahal region. The Chandybil Tourist Center, located between Lower Nohur and Garawul, serves as a base for exploring the region.
One notable feature of the area is the village graveyard, where headstones are adorned with ram’s horns, symbolizing local traditions. Nearby, visitors can find the revered Kyz-Bibi cave-shrine, which adds a spiritual dimension to the area. A short distance from the village lies the Khur-Khuri Waterfall, cascading 53 meters into a lush, tree-lined gorge. Additionally, the Ai Dere Canyon, about 7 kilometers from the Chandybil Tourist Center, boasts a series of waterfalls and natural plunge pools fed by a tributary of the Sumbar River.
For additional information about these natural attractions, see the official travel article about Nohur, which highlights Khur-Khuri Waterfall and the nearby mountain scenery.
Khur-Khuri Waterfall: A striking 53-meter waterfall that flows into a gorge surrounded by greenery. It is one of the best-known natural attractions near Nokhur and a popular point of interest for travelers exploring the Kopetdag mountain region.
Dev’s House Cave: Also described as the House of Devas, this deep crevice descends into the mountain, adding a sense of mystery to the natural landscape. The cave is mentioned in the official Turkmenistan government article about Nohur.
Gyz-Bibi Cave-Shrine: A culturally significant sacred site associated with local legends and spiritual traditions. It is an important stop for visitors interested in the folklore and cultural heritage of Nokhur.
Ai Dere Canyon: A scenic canyon near the Chandybil Tourist Center, known for its waterfalls, natural pools, and mountain landscape. The area appeals to visitors interested in nature, hiking, and outdoor exploration.
Nokhur Village Cemetery: The traditional graveyard is notable for headstones decorated with ram’s horns, reflecting distinctive local customs and symbolism.
Nokhur offers a different perspective on Turkmenistan, combining mountain scenery, traditional village culture, local folklore, and natural attractions. Its location in the Kopetdag Mountains makes it a point of interest for travelers exploring the Ahal region and the landscapes surrounding Ashgabat.
For reliable background information before planning a visit, consult the official government feature on Nohur and learn more about the geography of the Kopetdag Mountains.
