New Alexander Fort

Overlooking Dead Kultuk is New Alexander Fort. It’s on the cliff edge of the Western Chink Ustyurt, on the east side of Kaydak Bay, and was in use from 1834–1846. Russian General Vasily Perovsky, who oversaw two attempts to conquer Central Asia in the Khiva and Kokand campaigns, ordered the fort to be built after hearing about Karelin’s successful reconnaissance of the area. His plan was to use it as a base to catch Caspian Sea pirates, establish trade relations with Central Asia’s khanates, and to gain authority over Mangystau’s residents. They deemed the fortress unsuitable for long-term use because of logistical difficulties: sailing into the bay was harder than expected; unloading and transporting supplies from the ships required carrying them uphill to the fort; and there was insufficient water for both the men and horses.

All that remains today are building foundations and a few hundred metres of defence walls built out of densely packed rows of standing stones designed to deter would-be attackers on horseback. Two hundred metres downhill of the main fortification is a collection of buildings, which were undoubtedly used as sleeping quarters and for the storage of armaments and supplies.