Caspian Sea

South of the Mangyshlak peninsula, the Caspian opens into its deeper middle basin. The desert shores of the eastern coast contrast with the vast expanse of water beyond them. Ships from Astrakhan traded with Mangyshlak, whose landing places gave access to caravan routes to Khiva and Bukhara. The sea has no outlet to the ocean, and its level has changed over time, reshaping bays and coastal shallows.