Ming Urik

In the 7th-8th centuries, active urban development took place in Chach, which later allowed this region to be called the «land of a thousand cities.» The city at Ming Urik reached its peak, including a fortress-citadel and Shahristan. The citadel, surrounded by walls of dense clay and raw brick, had rectangular towers. Next to the citadel, an official palace of the rulers was built, emphasizing the city’s capital status.

The palace included many rooms, including a ceremonial hall, living quarters, and storerooms. A cult complex with a fire sanctuary was also discovered here. Although a fire and subsequent reconstructions almost completely destroyed the original decor, traces of multicolored paintings reflecting the life of the nobility and kings, epic stories, and cult ceremonies have been preserved.

Research on Ming Urik and other territories of Tashkent shows that the oasis was part of the Sogdian culture, considered the standard of cultural achievements in Central Asia in the pre-Arab era. The palace complex, built on the remains of more ancient structures, emphasized the importance of Ming Urik as a capital.

Shahristan had dense construction, including monumental houses and craft workshops. From the 7th century, a new coin minting was known here, associated with the issuance of coins in Chach. On the territory of Ming Urik, traces of pottery and metalworking crafts were found, as well as iron items, terracotta figurines, and toys. Weaving also reached a high level of development.

Chach and Sogd were the largest agricultural regions, and their relationships were complex, accompanied by both hostile actions and close trade and economic ties. The political position of Chach was stable, and its representatives participated in diplomatic and trade missions. Ming Urik is considered the dwelling place of the legendary ruler of Turan — Afrasiab, which gives it special significance in the history of the region.