Kara Tepe, Buddhist monastery in Termez, Uzbekistan
Kara Tepe is an archaeological complex with three sections built into a hillside near the Amu Darya River, containing monk cells, stupas, and courtyards. The entire site was carved into the slope and uses the natural landscape as part of its layout.
The site was founded in the first century CE and reached its peak during the second and third centuries under the Kushan Empire. This empire was a major power that connected eastern and western trade routes.
The monastery walls display painted plaster and Greek-style columns that reflect different cultures meeting along the Silk Road. These architectural features show how people from various regions came together and blended their building traditions.
Access requires special permission since the site lies within a military restricted zone between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan. Visitors should contact local authorities in advance to clarify access details.
Monk cells were later transformed into burial chambers while the stupas continued to serve religious functions. This shift shows how the use of the site changed across centuries.
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