Khandut revisited: Monuments, shrines, and newly discovered rock art in Wakhan District

What is it about?

Based on field work from 2004 to 2016, the article discusses archaeological sites in Khandut village and their relationship to the Silk Roads, Sufi shrines, Chinese Buddhist pilgrims, Saka hunters, and indigenous Pamiri traditions.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

Wakhan and the Wakhan Corridor have historically been at the crossroads of Central Asia. While conflict in Afghanistan has prevented study of the cultural heritage of Wakhan, the inacessibility of Wakhan has helped preserve much of the cultural heritage. This paper focuses on the historic capital of Wakhan and the extensive heritage sites located there, almost all of which are previsouly unpublished.