Malik: Caravanserai, Sardoba and Rock Art

Malik appeals to travelers interested in cultural history when choosing a destination. In Malikrabot, Sardoba Malik and the Rabati Malik caravanserai represent the historic Silk Road settlement; the surrounding area also features rock art, an archaeological monument and the Deggaron Mosque. For planning purposes, it helps to distinguish between the themes: architecture and caravan history define the buildings, while Sarmishsoy offers a different perspective on the past through its petroglyphs.

Caravanserai, Sardoba and their history

Two historic monuments have been preserved in Malikrabot: Raboti Malik, dating from the 11th century, and a Sardoba. Sardoba Malik is an architectural monument dating from the 11th century in the “Sardoba” mahalla area of Karmana District. The Rabati Malik caravanserai was built on the orders of the Karakhanid ruler Shams-al-Mulk Nasr, who ruled in Samarkand from 1068 to 1080. Today, only the portal of the once-large caravanserai remains above ground. A historical account describes Malikrabot as a rest stop where caravans replenished their water and provisions before continuing their journey. The Rabati Malik caravanserai has been conserved and is open to tourist visits; check local access conditions before visiting.

Rock art in Sarmishsoy

The Sarmishsoy Gorge lies in the area around Malikrabot. More than 5,000 rock drawings have been found there and in the surrounding area; the motifs depicted include hunting scenes. Petroglyphs more than 10,000 years old have also been found. The number of finds and the age estimate answer different questions: the former describes how many drawings have been found, while the latter refers to the age of the petroglyphs. Together with the architectural monuments dating from the 11th century, they span a period from rock art more than 10,000 years old to caravan architecture.

Other sites and orientation

Another archaeological site in the area around Malikrabot is Raboti-Maliktepa (Bekmehmontepa). This state-protected monument is dated to the 6th to 12th centuries and lies in the “Sardoba” mahalla area of Karmana District. Its broad dating range spans several centuries and complements the references to the 11th century for Rabati Malik and Sardoba Malik with a longer period. The Deggaron Mosque is also in the area around Malikrabot, in the village of Hazora in Karmana District, and remains in use. Check local access conditions before visiting. Navoiy city airport is close to Malikrabot and serves as a geographic reference point for travel to the area.

Navoiy Province in the broader context

The broader destination of Navoiy Province also includes the Nurata Mountains. They consist of three low western spurs of the Gissar-Alai system; their highest peak is Hayatbashi, at 2,169 meters. The mountains lie in a transition zone between the Pamir-Alai and Tian Shan mountain systems and the desert plains of Turan. Their unique flora includes numerous endemic and relict species. As a broader landscape setting, the mountains differ from Malikrabot’s cultural theme: here, caravan history, the Sardoba and rock art take center stage.

For the broader travel overview: Navoiy Province.