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 city was near a major Amu Darya River, which has undergone significant alterations in its flow path over time. In 1932, the river reshaped its landscape and flooded Turtkul again. These changes and previous impacts by the Amu Darya necessitated relocating Karakalpakstal's capital from the city to Nukus in 1939.