Archaeologists have confirmed the existence of a medieval city submerged beneath the waters of Lake Issyk-Kul in Kyrgyzstan. This significant discovery not only validates long-held local legends but also has the potential to reshape our understanding of the Silk Road and its historical context in Central Asia.
Located at Toru-Aygyr on the northwest shore of Lake Issyk-Kul, which is one of the world’s deepest saline lakes, the site is surrounded by the majestic snow-capped peaks of the Tien Shan mountains. Researchers from various countries have found indications of a well-planned urban center, alongside numerous scattered ruins. This new evidence sheds light on a vibrant area where diverse cultures, religions, and empires once intersected.
Insights into Trade and Daily Life
Exploration at depths ranging from one to four meters has allowed researchers to document large ceramic vessels, baked brick structures, and components of grain mills. These findings suggest the presence of public buildings such as madrasas, mosques, and possibly ritual baths, highlighting the area’s significance as a hub for traders, pilgrims, and tourists traversing the route between China and the Islamic world.
The archaeological team also uncovered wooden structures and crumbling stone walls, indicative of a carefully designed urban layout supported by a stable local government. Advanced dating techniques, including accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) and dendrochronology, have been utilized to accurately date wood and other materials, providing insights into the city’s timeline.
The researchers believe the city was a major urban center during the Kara-Khanid dynasty, which was influential in the introduction of Islam to the region from the 10th to the 15th centuries. Furthermore, evidence of religious diversity, including remnants of Buddhism, Tengrianism, and Nestorian Christianity, suggests that multiple faiths coexisted prior to the widespread acceptance of Islam.
Natural Disasters and Historical Context
Archaeological evidence indicates that the city suffered significant damage during a powerful earthquake in the 15th century, which led to its partial submersion in Lake Issyk-Kul. Interestingly, some residential areas show no human remains, suggesting that the city may have faced earlier abandonment prior to this final disaster. This preservation has allowed the city to remain largely intact, akin to the preservation of Pompeii beneath volcanic ash.
Additionally, researchers have identified a large Muslim cemetery dating from the 13th and 14th centuries, covering approximately 60,000 square meters. The cemetery conforms to Islamic burial customs, with bodies oriented toward Mecca. So far, two skeletons—a male and a female—have been unearthed, offering potential insights into the diets, health, and origins of the individuals.
This city’s history is intertwined with the influence of the Golden Horde, which played a crucial role in establishing Islam as a dominant faith in Central Asia. The shared religion fostered trust among traders along the Silk Road, facilitating commerce and cultural exchange.
Among the findings are medieval ceramics and a large khum, a vessel traditionally used for grain or water storage, still partially buried in the sediment. Additional graves found nearby, likely predating the Islamic period, indicate that the area has been inhabited for a considerable length of time across various cultural epochs.
Future Research and Preservation Efforts
Thanks to sophisticated underwater drones and navigation systems, archaeologists can meticulously map the sunken ruins and ensure their preservation for future generations. The aim is to establish a comprehensive interdisciplinary project that will encompass funerary studies, urban archaeology, and the tectonic and climatic history of Lake Issyk-Kul.
Researchers suspect that much of the city remains undiscovered, and ongoing investigations may significantly alter our perception of Central Asia’s role in world history since the Middle Ages. The findings from this submerged city provide not only a glimpse into a lost civilization but also an opportunity to explore the intricate tapestry of trade, culture, and religion that defined the region during a transformative era.
