Ankara - Türkiye
Ongoing excavations at the Mingtepe archaeological site, located in the Gymbay region of Samarkand Governorate, have revealed the remains of a palace complex dating back to the first half of the eighth century AD, in a discovery that may change researchers’ understanding of the structure of power in Sogod on the eve of the Arab conquest of Transoxiana.

A fortified castle that holds the secrets of the ruling class

The Uzbek Cultural Heritage Agency announced that the mission, in which researchers from the Samarkand Institute of Archaeology participated, succeeded in determining the architectural layout of a palace complex located within the “Ark”, the fortified inner citadel that in ancient Central Asian cities represented the highest seat of power and the most fortified site. Specialists believe that these architectural features constitute an important scientific source for studying urban planning, architecture, and the management system in the early Middle Ages.

Main hall sculptures under study
The most interesting thing was the discovery of examples of sculptures dating back to the eighth century inside the main hall of the supposed complex. The agency confirmed that these artifacts are currently subject to careful scientific study, amid speculation that they were part of a ceremonial space or reception hall associated with the ruling elite. This visual evidence is of exceptional importance because it is the first time that there is an opportunity to discuss how local authority is embodied in Mingteppe from a visual cultural perspective.

Mingtepe: The forgotten city on the outskirts of Samarkand

Mingtepe is one of the largest cities in ancient Soghad. It flourished between the fifth and mid-eighth centuries AD, before it faded after the Arab conquest. The site is located about twenty kilometers northeast of ancient Samarkand, making it a unique model for studying the regional political centers that revolved around the Sogdian capital at that time.

A promising destination for the Gulf visitor
For Arab tourists visiting Uzbekistan in recent years, Samarkand and its countryside constitute an integrated destination that combines timeless Timurid architecture and emerging archaeological treasures. Today, Uzbekistan provides visa-free entry for citizens of Gulf countries, with world-class hotel infrastructure and high-speed trains linking Tashkent to Samarkand. As excavations continue in Mingtepah, it is expected that this site will gradually be added to the map of cultural tours around the city, opening the way for qualitative tourist experiences that go beyond classical landmarks towards living archaeological discoveries.