Archaeologists have confirmed the existence of a medieval city submerged beneath the waters of Lake Issyk-Kul in Kyrgyzstan, a finding that has the potential to reshape our understanding of the Silk Road’s history. This significant discovery was made at Toru-Aygyr, located on the northwest shore of the lake, which is regarded as one of the world’s deepest saline lakes.
The site had long been the subject of local legends, with stories of a lost city lying beneath the lake’s surface. Recent explorations have validated these tales, revealing evidence of a planned urban center that thrived between the 10th and 15th centuries. Researchers from various countries collaborated to document large ceramic vessels, baked brick structures, and other artifacts, indicating a well-structured community that catered to traders, pilgrims, and tourists journeying between China and the Islamic world.
Insights into Urban Life and Cultural Diversity
Exploration at depths ranging from one to four meters has uncovered remnants of public structures, such as madrasas and mosques, alongside decorated architectural fragments. These findings suggest a city that was not only functional but rich in cultural and religious diversity. The presence of wooden structures and crumbling stone walls indicates that the settlement was carefully planned and governed.
Researchers utilized advanced dating techniques, such as accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) and dendrochronology, to ascertain the age of wood and other materials recovered from the site. The evidence points towards the city being a significant hub under the rule of the Kara-Khanid dynasty, a Turkic lineage that played a vital role in the spread of Islam in the region. Traces of other religions, including Buddhism and Tengrianism, demonstrate the area’s long-standing cultural complexity prior to the Islamic era.
The City’s Downfall and Legacy
Archaeological studies have revealed that the city experienced partial collapse during a devastating earthquake in the 15th century, which submerged much of it beneath Lake Issyk-Kul. Interestingly, the absence of human remains in some residential areas implies that parts of the city may have been abandoned before the quake struck, preserving it in a state akin to Pompeii after a volcanic eruption.
In addition to the urban ruins, a significant Muslim cemetery from the 13th and 14th centuries has been discovered, encompassing approximately 60,000 square meters. This site adheres to Islamic burial customs, with bodies oriented towards Mecca. So far, two skeletons—one male and one female—have been unearthed, offering potential insights into their diets, health, and origins.
The rise of the Golden Horde further facilitated the spread of Islam across Central Asia, enhancing trade and fostering trust among merchants along the Silk Road. The excavation has also yielded medieval ceramics and a large khum, a storage vessel that remains partially buried and may provide additional information in future seasons.
The project aims to develop a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach, integrating funerary studies, urban archaeology, and the tectonic and climatic history of Lake Issyk-Kul. Archaeologists are employing underwater drones and sophisticated navigation systems to meticulously map and preserve the submerged ruins for future generations.
As researchers continue to investigate this lost city, they believe that much remains to be uncovered. Future explorations may significantly alter perceptions of Central Asia’s role in global history during the Middle Ages. The findings not only shed light on the past but also highlight the importance of preserving cultural heritage in the face of natural disasters and changing landscapes.
