International archaeological expedition to Kyrgyzstan yields over 10,000 artefacts

An international archaeological expedition to Lake Issyk Kul, high in the Kyrgyz mountains, has extended the boundaries of the ancient Kyrgyz principality that existed in this area during the Middle Ages.

Rock engravings near Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan 
[Credit: Anson Mackay]

"In the course of archaeological exploration within a radius of 200 kilometers from the shore of the lake there were found new areas with petroglyphs, which, in fact, served as boundary markers. This allows making new assumptions about the boundaries of the Kyrgyz principality: perhaps its territory was more extensive than previously thought," the candidate of historical sciences, professor Boris Konikov states.

The 2015 international archaeological expedition worked in Tuura-Suu village on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul.

Scientists of the Russian Federation and the Kyrgyz Republic found more than 10,000 artefacts, "confirming the high status of ancient settlement existed here as one of the largest trade, craft and religious centers of Karakhanid state."

Most of the archaeological finds are weapons and everyday items. These are the elements of clay and bone utensils, iron weapons, stone jewelry, headstone sculptures.

All findings have been transported to Bishkek, the laboratory of Manas Kyrgyz-Turkish University for cataloguing and further study.

Source: '24.kg' News Agency [August 14, 2015]