Archaeology - The Times Of Central Asia

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Archaeology

Medieval Wall Paintings Discovered at Ancient Kanka Site in Uzbekistan

Archaeologists in Uzbekistan have uncovered rare wall paintings dating back to the 10th-11th centuries at the ancient site of Kanka in the Tashkent region, according to a report by UzA. The excavation is being led by researchers from the Institute of History at the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan, with support from the Tashkent regional administration. Dilnoza Jamolova, the institute’s deputy director, stated that the mural fragments were discovered within the remains of a large caravanserai located in the shahristan (inner city) of ancient Kanka. The structure, situated approximately 60 meters south of the city’s southern gate, measures around 100 by 70 meters and is noted for its significant architectural features. Inside one of the caravanserai’s rooms, archaeologists found fragments of wall paintings that had fallen from the walls. The pieces, ranging from 15×20 to 30×35 centimeters, confirm that the building’s interior was once adorned with mural artwork. Experts say the discovery is notable evidence that wall painting, a tradition believed to have declined following the Arab conquest, experienced a revival in the Tashkent region during the 10th and 11th centuries. Similar wall paintings have been identified at other prominent Central Asian archaeological sites, including Samarkand and Ahsikent. The ongoing study, which involves restorers from the Samarkand Archaeological Institute under the Cultural Heritage Agency, also suggests the existence of a distinct mural art tradition in medieval Tashkent. In earlier excavations at Kanka in 2023, researchers discovered murals dating back to the 5th-7th centuries. The latest findings are expected to offer new insights into the cultural and artistic life of the region and to deepen scholarly understanding of Tashkent’s medieval heritage. Previously, The Times of Central Asia reported on another major archaeological discovery in southern Uzbekistan, where scientists found evidence that hunter-gatherer communities were harvesting wild barley as early as 9,200 years ago, challenging long-standing theories about the origins of agriculture in the ancient world.

Archaeology

Dinosaur Fossils Unearthed in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan Illuminate Central Asia’s Prehistoric Past

Rare dinosaur remains estimated to be around 75 million years old have been uncovered in Uzbekistan’s Karakalpakstan region, according to the State Geological Museum. The discovery adds to a growing body of paleontological evidence shedding light on Central Asia’s ancient ecosystems. On October 12, Akhmadjon Akhmedshaev, Director of the State Geological Museum, visited the excavation site near the Khodzhakul foothills in the Sultan Uvays mountain range, where the “Uzbek Geologiya Qidiruv” expedition had uncovered fossilized dinosaur bones during a geological survey. Found at a depth of approximately three meters, the remains are believed to belong to a large dinosaur from the Cretaceous period, dating back roughly 65-75 million years. The fossils include fragments of vertebrae, ribs, and leg bones, all remarkably well preserved. Scientists believe the find could offer valuable insights into the types of dinosaurs that once inhabited what is now western Uzbekistan. The region is thought to have been a humid, coastal environment during the late Cretaceous. The fossils are currently undergoing analysis at the State Geological Museum to determine their species and any potential connections to previously identified dinosaurs from Central Asia. Meanwhile, paleontologists from St. Petersburg State University have announced a second significant find, this time in Tajikistan. Researchers uncovered a well-preserved fragment of a duck-billed dinosaur skull. According to spbdnevnik.ru, the fossil’s exceptional condition may enable scientists to accurately identify the species and potentially describe a new genus. Comparative analysis is now underway with fossil collections from other countries to trace its evolutionary lineage.

Archaeology

Dinosaur Skull Fragment Unearthed in Tajikistan Could Signal Discovery of New Species

Paleontologists from St. Petersburg State University have uncovered a remarkably well-preserved fragment of a duck-billed dinosaur skull in Tajikistan, a rare and potentially groundbreaking find for the region. According to scientists, the skull fragment is in near-perfect condition, allowing for precise classification. Experts believe the discovery could lead to the identification of a previously unknown genus of dinosaurs. Russian researchers are now conducting a comparative analysis, examining the specimen alongside collections from other countries. The dinosaur belongs to the hadrosaur family, a group known for their distinctive elongated, duck-like snouts. These herbivorous reptiles lived during the late Cretaceous period. Researchers say the find may offer new insights into the evolutionary history of dinosaurs in Central Asia. Tajikistan is emerging as a key site for the study of the Cretaceous era. In a previous discovery near the village of Kansai in the Sughd region, paleontologists unearthed dinosaur remains estimated to be around 85 million years old. The area, often described as a “chronicle of the ancient world,” has yielded fossils not only of dinosaurs but also of turtles, crocodiles, amphibians, and ancient fish. Kansai has long been on the scientific map. In the 1960s and 1980s, expeditions led by the renowned Soviet paleontologist Anatoly Rozhdestvensky explored the region extensively. His team identified several new species, including therizinosaurs. One of the most notable finds from that era was a nearly complete femur of a therizinosaur. Many of these rare specimens are now housed in the History and Local Lore Museum of the Sogdian Region, which attracts visitors with its collection of prehistoric fossils and other ancient artifacts. Among the museum’s standout items is the jawbone of a southern elephant, estimated to be 2.5 million years old. It was discovered on the shore of the Kayrakkum Reservoir in 2013. According to museum director Mansur Boimatov, similar remains were first uncovered in 1978. At that time, local artisans created a bas-relief of the elephant, which was later installed in the Khujand Museum.

Soft Power

Beneath the Silk Road: China’s Archaeological Diplomacy in Uzbekistan

As China’s economic footprint expands across Central Asia, Beijing is quietly pursuing another, subtler form of influence - one that reaches beneath the soil rather than above it. Alongside highways, pipelines, and industrial parks, China is investing in archaeological diplomacy that uses shared history and cultural discovery to deepen ties with its neighbors. Uzbekistan has emerged as a key partner in this effort. Beyond trade and infrastructure, the two countries are now working hand in hand to uncover the remnants of ancient civilizations that once thrived along the Silk Road. This collaboration combines science and strategy, offering a soft power approach that complements China’s growing hard power presence in the region. Across Uzbekistan’s Surkhandarya, Samarkand, Ferghana, and Khorezm regions, joint Chinese-Uzbek teams are making discoveries. One notable example is the joint Chinese-Uzbek team working at the Chinar-Tepa site in the upper Surkhandarya River valley, where researchers have uncovered more than 30 ancient house foundations along with a rich collection of cultural artifacts. Another major project has revealed the remains of an Iron Age city-state in the Surkhandarya River basin in southern Uzbekistan. These findings are the result of three excavation seasons conducted between 2024 and 2025, during which the joint team surveyed 47 sites across the basin and identified the area as a major center of ancient Bactria. This cooperation is not just confined to the field. In October 2023, Ferghana State University and Chinese partners launched a joint archaeology department. Their subsequent joint studies of the ancient city of Kuva have revealed key insights into urban planning, including city walls, moats, and roads dating back centuries. Meanwhile, China’s funding for the restoration of the ancient city of Khiva highlights another layer of cultural collaboration on the preservation of shared heritage. For both countries, archaeology is more than an academic pursuit; it's a bridge between culture, economy, and future cooperation. For Uzbekistan, cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva are already world-renowned tourist destinations. The government’s ambition to attract up to 15 million foreign visitors underscores tourism’s growing role in national development. Unearthing new historical sites expands this potential, offering travelers a richer experience that spans both the pre-Islamic and Islamic eras. Each discovery deepens the cultural map of Uzbekistan, and each new site means more visitors, more investment, and greater economic diversification for the state. Beyond the economic dimension, the partnership with China is also cultivating a new generation of experts in archaeology and heritage preservation. Many members of these joint excavation teams belong to the post-2000 generation, young professionals who are gaining firsthand experience through collaboration. With access to cutting-edge technologies such as drone-based aerial photography, geomagnetic surveying, and 3D modeling, Uzbek archaeologists and students are learning to combine traditional excavation with modern science. Over time, this knowledge transfer strengthens the country’s human capital base, empowering Uzbekistan to pursue its own archaeological research and heritage conservation independently on a larger scale. For China, promoting joint archaeological exploration aligns closely with the Belt and Road Initiative’s vision of soft connectivity....

Archaeology

East Kazakhstan’s Akbaur Stones: An Ancient Site Shrouded in Mystery

East Kazakhstan is home to one of Central Asia’s most enigmatic archaeological sites, the Akbaur complex. Often dubbed the “Kazakh Stonehenge,” it has been linked to ancient rituals, astronomical observations, and even cosmological legends. Despite decades of study, Akbaur continues to raise more questions than it answers. The Mysteries of Akbaur Archaeologists regard Akbaur as a unique cultural monument, though its true purpose remains debated. Some view it as an open-air temple, others as an ancient observatory or a major cult center for early civilizations of the region. More than a tourist attraction, Akbaur is a symbol of East Kazakhstan’s deep and still-unrevealed history. The site is not just a scattering of stones. It is a vast historical and architectural complex covering some 70,000 hectares, long surrounded by legends. Today, this area is protected by the state, and special permission is required to visit it, but just a few decades ago, both tourists and livestock roamed freely here. [caption id="attachment_36128" align="aligncenter" width="352"] @Yulia Chernyavskaya[/caption] For local residents, Akbaur holds sacred meaning. A tradition of leaving offerings has persisted through the centuries: small pieces of meat or fat are placed in shallow man-made depressions in stone slabs. A stone staircase, also human-made, leads to a grotto carved into the rock, and is believed to have carried symbolic as well as functional significance. Even the name “Akbaur” is contested. Possible Kazakh translations include “white liver,” “close relative,” and “mountain slope.” Though varied, each carries symbolic resonance with the site’s layered history. A Portal Between Worlds? The Akbaur complex is located near the village of Besterek, about 38 kilometers from Ust-Kamenogorsk. At first glance, the arrangement of boulders and slabs might appear natural. Archaeologists, however, identify the site as a Bronze Age monument. A conical grotto sits six meters above the mountain base, decorated with petroglyphs dating to the early 3rd millennium BCE. Around 80 images have been recorded, depicting humans, animals, dwellings, and tools, alongside more mysterious symbols. Interpretations range from cosmological signs to religious symbols, with fringe theories suggesting messages for descendants or even references to extraterrestrials. [caption id="attachment_36130" align="aligncenter" width="350"] @Yulia Chernyavskaya[/caption] [caption id="attachment_36131" align="aligncenter" width="350"] @Yulia Chernyavskaya[/caption] What makes the petroglyphs unique is their use of red ochre, a rare pigment in the region’s rock art. Some scholars speculate blood may have been mixed into the paint, adding a ritual dimension. The site’s natural features are equally intriguing. Above the grotto lies a massive slab with a heart-shaped hole, believed by some to have functioned as a “sky window” for astronomical observations. Elsewhere, stone “bowls” reveal remarkable precision: during the spring equinox, sunlight reflecting on water in one cavity aligns exactly with another, suggesting their use as a solar calendar. Other theories propose more practical functions. The depressions could have been used in sacrifices or metallurgy, given the discovery of nearby ingots matching their shapes. What Does Akbaur Hide? Systematic study of Akbaur began in the 1970s under archaeologist Zainolla Samashev, a native of East Kazakhstan. Since 2019, excavations...

Archaeology

Underwater Secrets of the Steppe: Archaeologists Unearth Ancient Artifacts in Kazakhstan’s Bogen Reservoir

A team of archaeologists from the Zhanibekov University Research Center has uncovered a trove of ancient artifacts at the Bogen Reservoir in the Ordabasy district of Kazakhstan’s Turkestan region. An unusually dry season significantly lowered the water level, revealing archaeological remains hidden for centuries. Paleolithic Tools and Bronze Age Burials Within just one week of surveying, researchers recovered dozens of Late Paleolithic and Mesolithic stone tools, including chalcedony flakes, cores, and cutting plates. Several Bronze Age burial sites were also excavated. While skeletal remains were poorly preserved, the grave goods were remarkable: decorated ceramics, a gold-plated bronze temple ornament, rings, bracelets, earrings, and hundreds of tiny beads likely used in headdresses. A particularly notable discovery was a burial dated to the 1st century BC-1st century AD. It contained three socketed arrowheads, a utility knife, a belt buckle, and a ceramic jug. Experts say such finds affirm the continuous human settlement of the region over millennia. After analysis, the artifacts will be transferred to a local museum. Bronze Knives, a Saka Ring, and a Lost Medieval City Earlier this year, The Times of Central Asia reported that archaeologists from Margulan University had unearthed two bronze knives near Lake Toraygyr. While attributed to the early Saka period, their design reflects stylistic elements of the Early Iron Age, evidence of both advanced metallurgy and cultural connectivity across Central Asia. At another site, researchers from Al-Farabi Kazakh National University discovered a gold ring from the Scythian era, weighing nearly 8 grams and featuring a lion motif. Experts interpret the human-animal hybrid symbolism as representative of the spiritual worldview of Saka elites in the 4th-3rd centuries BC. The burial also contained the remains of a man and a woman, alongside stone, iron, and gold artifacts. In Zhetysu, archaeologists revealed the ruins of a medieval city likely destroyed during the Mongol invasions. Excavations uncovered preserved brickwork, a defensive tower, and evidence of intense fire damage. Experts have drawn comparisons with other UNESCO-listed sites such as Talgar (Talhiz) and Koilyk. Meanwhile, the Saryarka Archaeological Institute has identified 25 historical and cultural sites in the Shet district of central Kazakhstan. These range from the Bronze Age through the Iron Age and into the medieval period. Excavations are pending, awaiting official permits. The “Golden Man” of East Kazakhstan and the Buddhist Crossroads One of the country’s most celebrated discoveries in recent years remains the 2018 unearthing of the so-called “Golden Man of East Kazakhstan” by archaeologist Zeinolla Samashev. More than 3,000 gold artifacts, including earrings, necklaces, and horse harness ornaments, were recovered from a burial dating to the 7th-8th centuries BC. Further south, in the Aiyrandy Gorge of the Merke district, archaeologists uncovered the remains of an ancient Buddhist temple, including a carved stone head of the Buddha. The find underscores the region’s historic role as a crossroads of religions and cultures along the Silk Road. From Paleolithic tools and Saka-era treasures to lost medieval cities and Buddhist sanctuaries, Kazakhstan’s recent archaeological discoveries reveal an extraordinary continuity of settlement...