The Cultural Heritage Agency has announced the discovery of architectural ruins at the Mingtepa archaeological site in Jomboy district of Samarkand province. The structure is believed to have served as a royal palace complex during the 8th century.
The excavations are being led by Amriddin Berdimurov, Khusniddin Rakhmonov, and Nigora Makhkamova, researchers from the Yahya Gulyamov Samarkand Institute of Archaeology.
During their fieldwork, the archaeologists uncovered the architectural layout of the palace complex situated within the citadel—the fortified heart of the historic site. The structure is dated to the first half of the 8th century.
Experts note that the unique construction techniques of the building provide invaluable scientific data for studying early medieval urban planning, architecture, and governance systems. Furthermore, sculptural fragments from the 8th century were discovered in the palace's central hall and are currently undergoing expert analysis.
The agency emphasized that these excavation findings could reshape current understanding regarding the political and cultural life of Mingtepa, as well as the broader historical evolution of the province during the early Middle Ages.
This discovery follows previous notable finds in the Samarkand province, which include historic wall paintings, coins, and a bronze mirror dating back to China's Han Dynasty.
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