When the Türkmen changes his traditions and his way, he is defeated. For example, the city of Merw, which is also known as ‘the Capital of the World’, was a major city for the Türkmens of 4 thousand years ago. During the reign of Soltan Sanjar it had a population of more than 2 million. Jingiz Han devastated this beautiful city in the 13th century, but the Türkmen people re-established Merw again. Then, in the 16th century Tamerlame sacked Merw. And the Türkmens restored Merw again. In 1787 the city was severely damaged by the Han of Bukhara and was re-constructed by the Türkmens. Is there any other city in the world that has been ruined so many times? The sublime spirit of the Türkmens protected the city and it will do so forever.

(293.)