Khalchayan, Archaeological site in Surchandarja region, Uzbekistan
Khalchayan is an archaeological site in the Surchandarja region that contains a fortress surrounded by defensive walls and water channels. The entire complex spans approximately 240 meters on each side and includes a palatial building with floor dimensions of roughly 26 by 35 meters.
The settlement was founded in the mid-1st century BCE and experienced expansion during the Kushan Dynasty in the early centuries CE. This period shaped the architectural style and artistic character of the site.
The main palace features a four-column hall where painted terracotta sculptures show rulers, deities, and mounted warriors arranged at different heights. These figures reveal how the people of that era understood power and the sacred.
The site is located about 10 kilometers from Denau city and can be reached by local transport. Visitors should come prepared for unpaved pathways and excavated structures that may be uneven in places.
The terracotta figures discovered here show individual facial features and rank among the most significant sculptural finds in Central Asia. Each figure displays distinct characteristics that reveal the craftsmanship of ancient artisans.
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