Archaeologists have confirmed the existence of a medieval city submerged under the waters of Lake Issyk-Kul in Kyrgyzstan. This significant discovery, located on the northwest shore at Toru-Aygyr, holds the potential to reshape our understanding of the Silk Road’s history and the cultural dynamics of Central Asia.
The underwater site, nestled among the snow-capped peaks of the Tien Shan mountains, has long been the subject of local legends. These tales of a lost city beneath the lake’s icy surface have now been substantiated by researchers from various countries. The findings include evidence of a planned urban center, along with numerous scattered ruins that indicate a thriving community once existed in this region.
Exploration at depths ranging from one to four meters has unveiled large ceramic vessels, baked brick structures, and components of grain mills. Such artifacts suggest the presence of public buildings, including madrasas, mosques, and possibly ritual baths. The evidence paints a vivid picture of a city designed to accommodate traders, tourists, and pilgrims traveling between China and the Islamic world.
In addition to ceramic artifacts, archaeologists have uncovered wooden structures and crumbling stone walls, hinting at an organized urban design supported by a stable local governance. Advanced dating techniques, including Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) and dendrochronology, have been employed to accurately date the wood and other materials found at the site.
Researchers believe that the settlement was likely a major urban center under the Kara-Khanid dynasty, a Turkic ruling house that introduced Islam to the region during its existence from the 10th to 15th century. The archaeological evidence also reveals a long history of religious diversity, with traces of Buddhism, Tengrianism, and Nestorian Christianity indicating a coexistence of various faiths prior to the rise of Islam.
The city experienced a catastrophic event in the 15th century when a powerful earthquake caused part of it to collapse, sinking much of the settlement beneath Lake Issyk-Kul. Notably, the absence of human remains in certain residential areas suggests that some sections of the city may have been abandoned prior to this final disaster, effectively preserving them underwater—a phenomenon reminiscent of the ancient city of Pompeii, which was buried by volcanic ash.
A significant Muslim cemetery from the 13th and 14th centuries has also been discovered, spanning approximately 60,000 square meters. This burial site adheres to Islamic customs, with graves oriented toward Mecca. So far, two skeletons—one male and one female—have been unearthed, potentially offering insights into the diets, health, and origins of the individuals interred there.
The influence of the Golden Horde in Central Asia played a crucial role in establishing Islam as a dominant faith, facilitating trade and fostering trust among various partners along the Silk Road. Further excavations have revealed medieval ceramics and a large khum, a traditional grain or water storage vessel, which remains partially buried in sediment and could be examined in future research initiatives.
Archaeologists are utilizing underwater drones and advanced navigation systems to map the sunken ruins in detail, ensuring these historic remnants are preserved for future generations. The overarching aim is to develop a comprehensive interdisciplinary project that combines funerary studies, urban archaeology, and the tectonic and climatic history of Lake Issyk-Kul.
As investigations continue, researchers believe that significant portions of the city remain undiscovered. Future studies could dramatically enhance our understanding of Central Asia’s role in world history since the Middle Ages, providing a deeper appreciation of the cultural and economic exchanges that characterized this vital region along the Silk Road.
