2300-year-old city ruins discovered in Kashkadarya

Uzbek archaeologists have uncovered the remains of a fortress-city in the Kashkadarya region that existed more than 2,300 years ago, Ukrainian publication The New Voice reported.

According to research, residents have long referred to the site as “Boburtepa.” The settlement functioned as a large city for nearly a thousand years, covering an area of six hectares (14.8 acres), and likely served as an important trade hub connecting Bukhara and Khorezm.

Over two years, archaeologists excavated three sectors of the site, uncovering remnants of fortifications—including the fortress itself, guard posts, and defensive walls. Project leader Sanjar Abdurahimov noted that the central part of the city was likely a palace or ceremonial hall. Here, a large main room and adjoining chambers were found, along with fragments of vibrant wall paintings (frescoes) reflecting the artistic traditions of the time.

Research also indicates that the city was a center of craftsmanship. Archaeologists discovered pottery workshops, stone-processing sites, large storage containers, and numerous ceramic artifacts.

The discovery comes at a time of increased archaeological activity in the Kashkadarya region. In 2025 alone, researchers registered over 100 previously undocumented archaeological sites. The Samarkand Institute plans to continue excavations as part of a long-term project.

It is worth noting that earlier, archaeologists from the Institute of History under the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan, with support from the Tashkent regional administration, discovered rare 10th–11th century wall paintings during ongoing excavations in the Tashkent region.