Petra - Turkmanian Tomb

Carved into the western wall of Wadi Turkmaniyya is the façade of the Turkmaniyya Tomb, crowned by a monumental single crow-step. Though the tomb lacks a bottom half, its top half makes it unique for it contains the longest Nabataean inscription to have been found in Petra, still almost as crisp in outline as when it was new, and as full of holy threats.

First it lists the full extent of the site: two rock-cut chambers with grave holes, courtyard, benches, triclinium, water cisterns, rock walls and retaining walls. It then affirms these are 'sacred to Dushara, God and our Lord, his throne Harisa and all the gods, by acts of consecration as commanded therein. Dushara, his throne and all the gods watch over the acts of consecration so they will be observed and there will be no change...; and no one will be buried in this tomb except him who is authorised... according to the acts of consecration which are eternal.'

Tantalisingly, no king is named to help with the dating; but the style of the script is thought to be characteristic of Malichus II's time, or possibly later. What Turcoman gave his people's name to the tomb, and by extension to the valley, is equally unknown.