Archeological Marvel Unearthed in Uzgen
In a remarkable archaeological discovery, a colossal clay vessel known as a ‘hum’ has been unearthed in the ancient town of Uzgen, Kyrgyzstan. Standing at an impressive height of 1.75 meters (about 5.7 feet), this artifact provides a fascinating glimpse into the rich history of Central Asia and the Silk Road.
A Window to the Past
The excavation, led by archaeologist Mars Boranbaev, began just 10 days prior to the discovery. On March 1st, the team uncovered the massive ‘hum’ buried 2.5 meters below ground level. Experts believe this ancient vessel dates back to between the 7th and 4th centuries BC, offering valuable insights into the region’s early civilization.
Uzgen: A Crossroads of History
Uzgen, located in Kyrgyzstan’s Osh province, holds a special place in the annals of history. This ancient settlement served as a crucial hub along the Silk Road, fostering early interactions between diverse cultures. Chinese sources from 104-99 BC mention it as Ju-Chen, the easternmost city center of Davan.
While Uzgen’s main period of development spans from the 4th to the 1st centuries BC, it truly flourished under the Qarakhanid state in the 10th century AD. As one of the Qarakhanid capitals, then known as Mavarannahr, the city boasts three well-preserved mausoleums that stand as testament to its golden age.
Preserving Cultural Heritage
Turarbek Abdyrahmanov, an archaeologist from the Kyrgyz Republic’s National Academy of Sciences, announced this groundbreaking find. The ‘hum’ was carefully extracted without damage and has been transferred to the Uzgen Museum of Architecture and Archaeology for further study and preservation.
This discovery not only sheds light on ancient pottery techniques but also underscores Uzgen’s significance as a treasure trove of both settled and nomadic cultural heritage. As excavations continue, who knows what other secrets this historic Silk Road city might reveal about our shared human past?
