This is the first ever iteration of digging at Biybulag settlement.
The Tatar side of the expedition is headed by Director of the Higher School of Historical Sciences and World Cultural Heritage of KFU Ayrat Sitdikov. The Mongolian side is represented by the Institute of History and Archaeology, Mongolian Academy of Sciences.
Biybulag, as the scientists have found, comprised three minor citadels, approximately 500 meters away from each other. Two walls have survived well for a settlement dating back to the 8th century AD. It was determined that the builders used a sort of clay cement with rock chippings.
Dr. Sitdikov notes that at the time of construction, Uyghur Khaganate spread its influence to the north, where ancient Tatars lived. Soon, a full archaeological map of the region will be ready, and it will help define the area where ancient Tatars dwelled at the time.
The second part of the expedition was held at a valley with the burial sites of Uyghur khans. In particular, a famous stele to Muunchur khan is situated here. This time, three tombs were found. The scientists proposed to preserve the stele by removing it to museum facilities.
Finally, the third part was held in Northern Mongolia, where archaeological objects from Genghis Khan’s time were researched.
Source text: Alina Iskanderova
Translation: Yury Nurmeev