The ancient settlement of Zartepa

Buddhist monuments in Uzbekistan

Termez is the southernmost city of Uzbekistan, which has gathered in its surroundings several of the most ancient architectural monuments: antique fortifications, the history of which has more than 2 thousand years. So, 14 kilometres from Old Termez the ancient settlement of Zartepa is situated.

Zartepa is spread over an area of 16 hectares and has a square shape. The ancient city was surrounded by powerful 9 meter thick fortification walls, inside of which there were 3 meter wide corridors. The walls are still well preserved, so the boundaries of the settlement can be seen very clearly. From the eastern and western sides of the city, massive watchtowers with guardrooms rose above the gates. The city was cut by a central road, on both sides of which residential constructions were built. The fortress, 14 meter high and 120 by 120 meters in area, was located in the north-eastern part of Zartepa and was surrounded by a moat. There was also a palace, the ceremonial part of which consisted of 2 halls with 4 and 12 columned iwans. Оnly stone foundations dating back to the Kushan period have been preserved from the columns. During the excavation, clay statuettes, covered with red paint and gilding, were found inside the premises.

The ancient settlement of Zartepa was a large trade, craft and religious centre. Buddhist shrines were found here. The chapel, erected on the fortress wall, consisted of several rooms of both religious and house holding purposes. A few marble steps led into one of these rooms, and two stone stands with bronze bowls were installed at its entrance. In the chapel ceiling damaged in a fire, scientists discovered fragments of a gilded Buddha statue which was made of clay.

The ruins of the sanctuary of Kuev-Kurgan are located 250 m east of the settlement of Zartepa. A stupa, towering on a platform 2 meters high, was discovered here. In the stupa a stash with 500 gold coins, jewellery and relics was hidden.

The ancient settlement of Zartepa had been destroyed and rebuilt several times. However, after the conquest of this territory by the Arabs, Zartepa finally fell into decline and deserted, leaving behind only silent ruins.

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