Recent archaeological discoveries in Kyrgyzstan have ignited excitement among enthusiasts of ancient mysteries. Underneath the waters of Lake Issyk Kul, researchers from the Russian Academy of Sciences have revealed remnants of a submerged city known as the Toru-Aygyr settlement. This location is believed to hold significance akin to the legendary Atlantis.
Discovery Details
The Toru-Aygyr complex, located near the northwest edge of Lake Issyk Kul, was explored through underwater surveys. Archaeologists examined four shallow zones ranging in depth from 3 to 13 feet. Their findings suggest that this site was once part of a vibrant metropolis.
Artifacts Uncovered
- Fired brick structures, including one featuring a millstone for grain processing.
- Evidence of a public building likely used as a mosque, bathhouse, or madressa.
- Structures indicating a burial ground with a 13th-century Muslim necropolis.
- Skeletal remains showing traditional Islamic burial rituals, situated with faces turned towards the qibla.
These artifacts indicate that the Toru-Aygyr settlement was an important hub on the historic Silk Road, which drove trade between China and the Mediterranean from the 2nd century BC to the mid-15th century.
Historical Context
Experts believe that the settlement thrived until a catastrophic earthquake struck at the beginning of the 15th century. According to Valery Kolchenko, the lead researcher, it appears that the area was vacated prior to this disaster, potentially saving its residents from catastrophe.
After the earthquake, nomadic communities began to inhabit the vicinity. Today, the shoreline of Lake Issyk Kul is dotted with small villages, each steeped in the rich history of the area.
Next Steps in Research
The artifacts excavated by Kolchenko and his team will undergo further analysis, including accelerator mass spectrometry dating. This method will determine the ages of the organic materials recovered from the site.
Although Plato’s account of Atlantis is often viewed as a work of fiction, the discovery of the Toru-Aygyr settlement raises questions about historical truths behind such legends.
