Archaeologists Uncover Ancient Sunken City Beneath Lake Issyk-Kul in Kyrgyzstan

Researchers from the Russian Academy of Sciences have announced the discovery of a submerged city beneath Lake Issyk-Kul in Kyrgyzstan, suggesting that the tales of lost cities may hold some truth.

Lake Issyk-Kul, the world's eighth deepest lake, reaches depths of 668 meters. Under its shallow waters, archaeologists have found remnants of a medieval settlement, including an Islamic cemetery, large pottery, and structures made of baked bricks.

According to expedition leader Valery Koltchenko, the city was a significant trading hub along the historic Silk Road, featuring mosques, religious schools, public baths, and possibly grain mills, as reported by the Daily Mail.

Destruction by Earthquake

The city is believed to have been devastated by a large earthquake in the 15th century, an event likened to the destruction of Pompeii. However, evidence suggests that many residents may have evacuated prior to the disaster.

During a survey of the Turo-Aigyr region northwest of the lake, archaeologists identified four underwater sites at depths ranging from one to four meters. These sites included collapsed buildings, wooden columns, large grain mills, and a 13th-century Islamic cemetery, where skeletons were oriented towards the Qibla, in accordance with Islamic burial practices.

The Russian Geographical Society, which funded the research, confirmed that "all evidence indicates that an ancient city did indeed exist here." Samples from the site have been sent for radiocarbon dating to establish the age of the artifacts accurately.

Part of the Silk Road Network

This settlement is thought to have been part of the Silk Road, which flourished from the 2nd century BC to the mid-15th century, facilitating trade and cultural exchange between Asia and Europe. The earthquake likely caused a demographic shift and the decline of urban life in the region, leaving the city submerged for centuries until recent scientific exploration uncovered it.