city was renamed to Turtkul (from Turkish törktkül meaning square)
and between 1932 and 1939 was the capital of the newly formed autonomous
republic of Karakalpakstan. The city was standing nearby a major Amu Darya River, which is known for
significantly altering its flow path several times in its history. In 1932, Amu
Darya once more changed its terrain and flooded Turtkul. This and past damage
by Amu Darya urged the authorities to move the capital of Karakalpakstal over
170 km to Nukus in 1939. The river banks were reinforced,
stopping further flooding. However, in 1942 the river suddenly moved on Turtkul
destroying it overnight. Consequently,
in 1949 Turtkul had been relocated.
