Discovery of a Temple at Kuldor-Tepa in Uzbekistan

What is it about?

This paper provides a succinct outline of the findings from the 2023 excavations conducted at Kuldor-tepa in Urgut, Samarkand region. The excavations, focused on the south-western suburban area of the site, have revealed a complex that is reminiscent of Sogdian variations of Zoroastrian sanctuaries found in Central Asia. The complex includes a cella with two stairs in the innermost area, connected to a larger hall with smaller side chambers. This arrangement resembles the layout of the temples of Panjikent and appears to support the hypothesis of its function as a temple. Kuldor-tepa is situated approximately 25 km south-east of Samarkand. The original name of the site remains uncertain, with arguments suggesting it may be the remnants of Boxide (鉢息徳), mentioned in Chinese historical sources as the capital castle or town of Mi (米), or Maymurgh principality, one of the major yet little-known Sogdian city-states.

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