Aktepa

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Aktepa

Aktepa ancient settlement in Tashkent
Aktepa ancient settlement in Tashkent

Aktepa, known in Uzbek as Oqtepa, is a channel in Tashkent, a right diversion of the Burdjar canal, flowing through the historic area of Aktepa near the Aktepa-Chilanzar settlement. The Aktepinskaya Hydroelectric Power Station stands on this canal.

The name ‘Aktepa’ is derived from the location it traverses, translating to ‘White Hill’. Close to the canal’s course lies the Aktepa settlement, comprising several small hills. Excavations conducted by archaeologists in the 20th century revealed that a fortified settlement existed here during the era of the Chach state in the Tashkent oasis. The archaeological findings suggest that a significant religious sanctuary might have been located approximately 7 km from the central residence of the Chach ruler, in the Aktepa area.

Aktepa ancient settlement in Tashkent
Aktepa ancient settlement in Tashkent
Aktepa ancient settlement in Tashkent
Aktepa ancient settlement in Tashkent
Aktepa ancient settlement in Tashkent
Aktepa ancient settlement in Tashkent

Today, this site is the most extensive archaeological excavation area. The first digs were led by Dr. V.A. Shishkin, a doctor of historical sciences, in 1948. Coins of Chach and foundations of ancient buildings were discovered. Aktepa is the highest point in the Yunus-Abad district of Tashkent, which, in turn, is the highest area in the city. Ascending the hill of Aktepa offers a view of the entire city of Tashkent. However, few are aware that this elevation is the remnant of a watchtower fortress built in the 5th century AD, which protected Tashkent from northern invasions from the 5th to the 8th century.

Further archaeological research revealed that the oldest Zoroastrian temple once stood here. Many scholars seriously consider that Zoroastrianism originated in this land, with the earliest mentions of Tashkent (then called Chach) found in the Avesta, the holy book of Zoroastrianism. In the 20th century, this area was known in Russian as Basmach-gora, but it has since reverted to its original name.