Archaeologists from the Russian Academy of Sciences have discovered traces of a submerged city beneath the surface of Lake Issyk-Kul in eastern Kyrgyzstan.
Located in the western Tianshan Mountains, Lake Issyk-Kul is an endorheic saline lake and the 8th deepest lake in the world. During the Middle Ages, the lake served as a stopover on the Silk Road, a land route for travellers and traders from the Far East to Europe.
Recent excavations at the Toru-Aygyr complex in the lake’s northwestern part has led to the discovery of a medieval necropolis, fired-brick structures, and numerous ceramic vessels.
Researchers surveyed four underwater zones at depths of 1 to 4 metres. In the first area, they uncovered numerous fired-brick structures, including one containing a millstone – evidence of a medieval mill once used to grind grain into flour.
The team also documented collapsed underwater stone structures and wooden beams, in addition to traces of a public building that possibly served as a mosque, bathhouse, or madrassa.
KYRGYZSTAN: Traces of submerged city discovered beneath Lake Issyk-Kul
American Buddhist Net 