Kunya-Urgench (Keneurgench) is an ancient city, the first mention of which dates back to the III-I centuries BC. It is found even in the Avesta, the main book of the Zoroastrians. There the city is called Urva (Urga). Caravans of the Great Silk Road passed through here, and the Chinese called the city Yue-gan, although it was located on the territory of the state of Khorezm. In the VIII century, the Arabs conquered the city and renamed it Gurganj. At the same time, the Khorezm ruler settled in Gurganj, declaring the city his residence. People began to move here, and soon the city became the second largest after Bukhara.

In the early Middle Ages, Gurganj experienced a cultural flourishing. At the same time, the city, located at the intersection of trade routes, was a major market center. Famous scientists Abu Ali ibn Sina and Abu Rayhan Beruni lived here. They worked at the Mamun Academy. By the way, it was here that Ibn Sina began to write the "Canon of Medical Science" and the "Book of Healing".