A hill full of secrets: Ancient water system discovered 65 meters above Istaravshan
Tajikistan marked Archaeologists’ Day on August 15. To mark the occasion, we look back at a discovery that surprised even experienced researchers: in 2025, archaeologists uncovered the remains of a sophisticated water supply system built around 1,500 years ago at the Mughteppa archaeological site in Istaravshan, Sughd province.
Mughteppa rises 65 meters above the city — roughly the height of a 20-story building. Over the centuries, rulers of Uroteppa built fortifications on the hill, turning it into an important stronghold.
In recent decades, however, the archaeological site has faced serious challenges. No excavations had been conducted there for nearly 30 years, while construction work in 2017–2018 damaged parts of its cultural layers. Some researchers feared that many of Mughteppa’s secrets had been lost forever.
An unexpected discovery
In the summer of 2025, an archaeological expedition returned to Mughteppa. The research was led by Nabijon Rahimov, Doctor of Historical Sciences and professor at Khujand State University’s Department of Archaeology, Ethnography and Religious Studies.
Employees of the Qalai Mugh Historical and Cultural Complex, headed by Mirzo Olimov, also took an active part in the excavations.
No dedicated funding had been allocated for the work, so the expedition relied heavily on history students and Qalai Mugh staff. In just one month, the team made a discovery they had not expected — sections of an ancient water supply system.
Mughteppa rises 65 meters above the city — roughly the height of a 20-story building. Over the centuries, rulers of Uroteppa built fortifications on the hill, turning it into an important stronghold.
In recent decades, however, the archaeological site has faced serious challenges. No excavations had been conducted there for nearly 30 years, while construction work in 2017–2018 damaged parts of its cultural layers. Some researchers feared that many of Mughteppa’s secrets had been lost forever.
An unexpected discovery
In the summer of 2025, an archaeological expedition returned to Mughteppa. The research was led by Nabijon Rahimov, Doctor of Historical Sciences and professor at Khujand State University’s Department of Archaeology, Ethnography and Religious Studies.
Employees of the Qalai Mugh Historical and Cultural Complex, headed by Mirzo Olimov, also took an active part in the excavations.
No dedicated funding had been allocated for the work, so the expedition relied heavily on history students and Qalai Mugh staff. In just one month, the team made a discovery they had not expected — sections of an ancient water supply system.
Комментарии (0)