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 close to a major Amu Darya River, which has changed its course multiple times throughout history. In 1932, the river altered its terrain and flooded Turtkul once more. These changes and earlier impacts by the Amu Darya led authorities to move Karakalpakstal's capital from the city to Nukus in 1939.