× Information on this section of ECOLEX comes from the InforMEA Portal which compiled information from MEA Secretariats with the support of the European Union. The accuracy of the information displayed is the responsibility of the originating data source. In case of discrepancy the information as displayed on the respective MEA website prevails. State Historical and Cultural Park "Ancient Merv" (Turkmenistan) Document type Decision Reference number VIII.C.1 Date Nov 29, 1999 SourceUNEP, InforMEA Status Active Subject Wild species & ecosystems Treaty Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (Nov 23, 1972) Meeting 23e session du Comité Website whc.unesco.org Abstract Property: State Historical and Cultural Park "Ancient Merv" Id. N°: 886 State Party: Turkmenistan Criteria: C (ii) (iii) The Committee inscribed the property on the World Heritage List on the basis of criteria (ii) and (iii): Criterion (ii): The cities of the Merv oasis have exerted considerable influence over the cultures of Central Asia and Iran for four millennia. Seljuk City in particular, influenced architecture and architectural decoration and scientific and cultural development. Criterion (iii): The sequence of the cities of the Merv oasis, their fortifications, and their urban lay-outs bear exceptional testimony to the civilizations of Central Asia over several millennia. The Committee congratulated the State Party for nominating its first World Heritage site, which has enhanced the representativity and balance of the World Heritage List.