Shali Fortress

This fortress was started in the 11th century and was the center of the Oasis until the early 20th century when unusual rains and flooding devastated the structure. People were still living in it's dwellings until that time. Construction of the fortress was with soil/salt blocks called kershef cut from nearby that were stacked together with rock and plastered using clay.
The 1st picture looks up to the fortress from the street that winds from the modern town. The tower is the minaret of the old mosque completed in 1203 as the worship space for the town. The 2nd picture looks over the well to some of the lower level dwellings in the fortress. The dungeon is down below where the people are sitting. The 3rd picture is taken from the top of the fortress and looks over the ruins of the old town inside the fortress walls. A major renovation project is under way.
The 4th picture looks down on the main courtyard of the fortress, and the last picture looks over another section of the fortress. The minaret is again visible.Read more