Landlocked and mountainous, the Republic of Kyrgyz might seem like an unlikely place for underwater archaeologists to focus their attention. But beneath the waters of Issyk Kul, which translates to “Hot Lake,” lie mysteries that have puzzled scientists since the 19th century. Surrounded by artifacts ranging from petroglyphs to 3,000 year old nomadic burial mounds called kurgans and the remains of medieval cities and Christian monasteries, this lake hides another treasure beneath its surface – a sunken palace said to have been built by Tamerlane, a Mongolian conqueror who lived between 1336 and 1405.
Potential for Discovery Spurs More than 100 Years of Archaeological Research
Issyk Kul is an endorheic lake with no outlet. Fed by underwater springs, the lake’s water level has often fluctuated dramatically as the centuries pass, naturally submerging buildings, settlements, and even ancient cities established on shorelines long since covered over by water. Some of the earliest underwater archaeologists began exploring the lake as long ago as the 1860s, and most recently, a team of National Geographic explorers have returned in hopes of discovering the sunken palace of Issyk Kul.
The existence of this palace, which is believed to be constructed in a similar style to that of the Taj Mahal, is of extreme importance since it would confirm the expansion of Tamerlane’s empire. Historians have been searching for it since 1869, when a set of underwater ruins was investigated by Russian historian G. A. Kolpakovsky. About 30 years later, historian V.V. Bartold developed a theory that associated the site with a 15th century palace described by medieval historian Ibn Arab Sheikh.
In 1926-27, archaeologist P.P. Ivanov studied the ruins and created a map in hopes that future explorers would find researching simpler; it was never published though, and was not rediscovered until 1957.
In 1959, Kyrgyz Institute of History archaeologist Dmitri Vinnick bean a systematic survey of the site, reporting regular walls constructed of bricks, wooden beams, and Timurid-style blue-glazed tiles. Because of political repression, his important findings were neither followed up nor published.
Since 1985, vice president of the Kyrgyz Academy of Sciences Professor Vladimir Ploskikh has been exploring the ruins of Issyk Kul. For the last several years, National Geographic has joined him in his efforts – and the joint venture is revealing some significant building features beneath just a few feet of water, including formidable walls stretching for nearly half a kilometer. In addition, a massive of stones believed to be the burial place of a Khan has been discovered, adding to the mystery and opening the door for confirmation of local legends about ancient rulers. More burial mounds, ancient weapons, jewelry, and tools have been discovered in the lake, making it a treasure trove of information about how people in the area lived centuries ago.
There are many discoveries yet to be made beneath the waters of Issyk Kul; it is the world’s tenth largest lake by volume, and its position along the fabled Silk Road increases its mystery and its appeal. The site of a 2,500 year-old metropolis, this lake has much to reveal. It is also a nature reserve and recreation area, and those who visit are welcome to dive. In the future, more amazing artifacts and structures are certain to be uncovered – perhaps by archaeologists, and maybe even by someone like you.