Merv
an oasis in central Asia, N. of Afghanistan, forming a part of the former Russian Transcaspian province.
In 1815 the oasis was subjugated by the Khan of Khiva, to whom it remained tributary for about 20 years. Subsequently Persia attempted to make good the claims which it had long laid to this district, and in 1860 fitted out an expedition for the purpose, which, however, miscarried completely. In 1881 General Skobeleff led Russian expedition against the Teke-Turcomans, captured their stronghold of Geok Tepe, and received the submission of the people of Merv. It was annexed by Russia in 1884.
Pop. about 120,000. a