Ancient and Medieval Nomadic Cities of Kashkadarya (Uzbekistan)

Abstract

This author considers the settlements of Kalai Zohkhaki Moron, Karshi Fortress and Zanjir Saray of different periods, located in the South Soghd (Kashkadarya oasis of Uzbekistan), as nomadic cities. Kalai Zohkhaki Moron is a large square-shaped monument encircled with an outer wall of 1.5×1.5 km, a second wall of 400×400 m, a first wall of 200×200 m inside, and a palace in the center. According to the author, Kalai Zohkhaki Moron was built in the 2^nd century BC as the capital of the Yuezhi. Later, the capital was moved to a place near Peshawar. Then, during the period of the Chigatay state in 1318–1326, the city of Karshi (630×630 m) was built in the Kashkadarya oasis with a palace in the center. In the period of the Chigatay state, the city served as the capital. Between 1334 and 1340 years, another city was built in the Kashkadarya oasis - Zanjir Saray (400×400 m), with a palace in the center. Kalai Zohkhaki Moron, Кarshi Fortress and Zanjir Saray are unique nomadic cities of Central Asia which have only preserved in the Kashkadarya oasis.