Izmukshir (Zamakshar, Zmukshir) is the ruins of an ancient fortress-city located in the desert, about 25 km southwest of Dashoguz. The immense fortress, now mostly covered by sand, impresses with its monumental size and beauty. The preserved section of the wall measures 1500 meters in length. In front of the fortress entrance, there is a deep moat known as "Gala Kendegi" among the Turkmen people. The moat has a crescent shape, reaching depths of 1 to 16 meters and widths of 2 to 15 meters.

The earliest structures within the fortress are believed to date back to the 3rd century BCE to the 3rd century CE. The fortress reached its peak during the 9th to 12th centuries, known as the period of the Eastern Renaissance. Izmykshir flourished and expanded under the Ghaznavids, Seljuks, and Karakhanids, reaching its zenith during the reign of the Khwarazmshah dynasty. Like many cities and fortresses in Khwarazm, Izmykshir was captured and largely destroyed during the Mongol invasion.

The desert has not spared Izmykshir. A significant part of the fortress has been irreversibly destroyed and buried under the sands. However, a few remaining structures give an idea of the grandeur of this construction. The distinguishing feature of these surviving buildings is the pointed niches located in the walls, which were used for storing utensils and household items.

The history of Izmykshir spans over 2,000 years. It is one of the most monumental Khwarazm fortresses, which, during its long existence, was part of the great Central Asian empires and witnessed the rule of various Eastern dynasties.