Afrasiab: The 7th Century BC Cradle of Samarkand’s 2700-Year History

Afrasiab, also referred to as Afrosiab, Afrosiyob, or Afrasiyab, is an ancient archaeological site spanning over 200 hectares in the northern part of modern-day Samarkand, Uzbekistan. This historical landmark represents the ruins of ancient Samarkand, a city steeped in millennia of history and culture. The name Afrasiab was attributed to the site in the 17th century, inspired by the mythical King Afrasiab of Turan, a legendary hero in the Persian epic Shahnameh by Ferdowsi.

Historical Significance and Origins

Afrasiab was the heart of ancient Samarkand, dating back to the 6th century BCE. Over centuries, it developed into a vibrant cultural and trade hub, situated strategically along the Silk Road. It was once a thriving metropolis, housing intricate urban planning, fortified walls, palaces, and temples, indicative of its status as a key center of ancient civilizations in Central Asia.

The site bears evidence of numerous cultural layers, reflecting the diverse influences of Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, and early Islam. Archaeological excavations have uncovered remains of residential quarters, artisan workshops, and religious buildings, offering insights into the daily lives and spiritual practices of its inhabitants.

Ruins and Rediscovery

The site of Afrasiab comprises a series of yellowish-gray loess hills, a stark contrast to the modern landscape of Samarkand. Its prominence waned after the Mongol invasion led by Genghis Khan in the 13th century, which left much of the ancient city in ruins. Over time, the remaining structures were gradually buried under layers of earth, leaving only the silent hills as witnesses to its storied past.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, systematic archaeological investigations revealed the hidden treasures of Afrasiab. Researchers unearthed remnants of monumental architecture, frescoes, pottery, and coins, shedding light on the city’s economic, artistic, and spiritual life.

Afrasiab and the Legend of Shahnameh

The name Afrasiab ties the ruins to the mythical past of Turan, as narrated in Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh. Afrasiab, the king of Turan, is portrayed as a formidable warrior and ruler, often in conflict with the Persian kings. The association of this legendary figure with the site underscores the deep cultural and historical resonance Afrasiab holds in the collective memory of Central Asia.

Historical Overview of Afrasiab

Archaeological Discoveries and Early History

Archaeological excavations at Afrasiab began in the 1870s, shortly after the Russian Empire’s conquest of Central Asia. These studies revealed that several centuries before the Common Era, Samarkand, then known as Marakanda, was one of the largest trade and cultural hubs in Central Asia. The city’s northern and eastern borders were naturally protected by river gorges, while deep ravines safeguarded its southern and western flanks.

Numerous artifacts have been uncovered at the site, including clay pottery with intricate designs, terracotta figurines, ossuary fragments, glassware, tools, jewelry, and coins. The city featured well-planned streets, dividing it into neighborhoods called guzars. These areas were enclosed by formidable defensive walls, within which a citadel, residential buildings, and artisan workshops thrived.

Cultural and Artistic Achievements

Buildings dating back to the 6th and 7th centuries CE revealed highly sophisticated wall paintings, created with vivid glue-based paints on clay plaster. One notable discovery was a room with tiered frescoes portraying vibrant processions of men and women in festive attire, accompanied by real and mythical animals bearing gifts.

In one mural, a grand procession led by a figure on a white elephant, likely representing a princess or queen, was depicted. The scene included women on horseback in ornate red dresses, yellow trousers, and black boots, adorned with bracelets and shawls. They were followed by armed men on camels, suggesting a royal wedding procession.

Another remarkable find was a hall adorned with wooden sculptures, charred from an ancient fire that devastated the city. According to historian L. I. Albaum, a significant portion of the figures in Afrasiab’s western wall paintings depicted Turkic individuals, highlighting the city’s ethnocultural diversity.

Architectural and Urban Evolution

During the Achaemenid Empire’s rule, Afrasiab was fortified with tall, robust walls featuring inner corridors and watchtowers. By the 9th and 10th centuries, under the Samanid dynasty, Samarkand became a leading cultural and intellectual center of the Islamic world. The city expanded to 220 hectares, featuring a majestic palace, bazaars, mosques, baths, and caravanserais. Innovations such as a lead-piped water system and Chinese-style paper production were established during this period.

Under the Karakhanids (11th–13th centuries), Samarkand became the capital of their western domain, encircled by new defensive walls. In the 12th century, a palace built by Karakhanid ruler Ibrahim ibn Husayn featured grand murals. One painting showed a Turkic warrior clad in a yellow tunic and armed with a bow.

Destruction and Decline

In the early 13th century, Samarkand fell to the Khwarazmian ruler Muhammad II, only to be overrun by Genghis Khan’s Mongol forces shortly thereafter. Afrasiab was thoroughly destroyed during the Mongol invasion, leading to the city’s complete abandonment and the eventual relocation of Samarkand to its present location.

Afrasiab Today

Afrasiab remains a vital archaeological site, preserving traces of ancient civilizations that once flourished in Central Asia. The ruins stand as a silent testament to the region’s dynamic history, cultural achievements, and the resilience of its people through centuries of transformation and turmoil.

Today, Afrasiab stands as a protected archaeological site, with efforts dedicated to preserving its remnants. The Afrasiab Museum of Samarkand, located near the site, showcases artifacts discovered during excavations, including exquisite wall paintings, ceramics, and ancient tools. These exhibits offer a glimpse into the artistic and cultural achievements of ancient Samarkand.

Afrasiab continues to captivate historians, archaeologists, and travelers as a symbol of Samarkand’s enduring legacy. Its ruins are not just remnants of the past but a bridge connecting modern Uzbekistan to its rich and diverse heritage. As one of the most significant historical sites in Central Asia, Afrasiab remains a testament to the resilience and brilliance of ancient civilizations.