Magdanly


Magdanly, formerly known as Gowurdak or Gaurdak, is a city in Köýtendag District, Lebap Province, Turkmenistan. In 2022, it had a population of 44,508 people.

Etymology

The word magdan means "ore" in Turkmen, and the suffix -ly means "with", hence "with ore". The area, in the foothills of the Köýtendag Mountains, is rich in various mineral ores. The former name, Gowurdak, referred to a mountain in that district which is mined for high-quality sulfur. Atanyyazow explains that the name Gowurdak "is derived from the local dialect gövür and the word dag, yielding 'sulfur mountain'."

History

The name of the city was changed from Gowurdak to Magdanly on 8 September, 2002.
On 25 November 2017, Magdanly was downgraded from a city with "district status" to a city "in a district", subordinate to Köýtendag District.

Administrative Divisions

Prior to losing its status as "City with district status", the city of Magdanly also had the following village councils under its jurisdiction:
  • Çärjew
  • Ýürekdepe
Both of these village councils were incorporated in Köýtendag District. Later, on 9 November 2022, Ýürekdepe village council was dissolved, and its two subordinate villages were brought under the jurisdiction of Çärjew village council.