Varahsha, Archaeological site near Bukhara, Uzbekistan
Varahsha is an archaeological site in the Bukhara region displaying the remains of an ancient city with foundations, walls, and architectural structures scattered across a substantial area. The ruins come from different periods and document the long occupation of this location.
The site emerged in the first century BCE and served as a center of Sogdian civilization in Central Asia. After the Muslim conquest of Transoxiana, the region's importance shifted and the settlement gradually declined.
The palace preserves murals from the 8th century showing royal scenes with elephants, court officials, and hunting activities. These artworks reveal how power and daily life at court were depicted in Sogdian times.
The site lies about 39 kilometers northwest of Bukhara and is reachable through agricultural areas. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and check access conditions before traveling, as the location is often remote and undeveloped.
British researchers documented the site in the 1820s, making it the first Sogdian location to appear in European scientific literature. This early study established the foundation for modern understanding of Sogdian civilization.
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