Mizdakhan, also known as Mizdahkan, is a significant archaeological and cultural site located in Karakalpakstan, an autonomous republic within Uzbekistan. Established around the 4th century BC, it served as a prominent city in the Khorezm region and later became a revered necropolis.
Initially, Mizdakhan was the second-largest city in Khorezm after Konye Urgench. The city thrived for approximately 1,700 years, witnessing various cultural and religious transformations, including the practice of Zoroastrianism and later Islam. In the 14th century, the city faced devastation due to Timur's military campaigns, leading to its decline and eventual abandonment as an urban center. Subsequently, it evolved into a sacred burial site, with mausoleums and mosques constructed up to the 20th century.