Kala-i Kachkakha | |
![]() Bunjikat, Kala-i Kahkaha 1 towards west | |
Alternative name | Shahriston |
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Location | Tajikistan |
Coordinates | 39°46′13″N68°47′56″E / 39.77028°N 68.79889°E /39.77028; 68.79889 |
Type | Settlement |
Site notes | |
Condition | Ruined |
The ancientarchaeological site of Bunjikat (Russian:БунджикатTajik:Бунҷикат), also namedShahriston, is located near the town ofBunjikat, in the Shahristan Pass at the entrance of theFerghana Valley, inSughd Province of westernTajikistan, just west of the town ofKairma.[1]
Bunjikat was the former capital city of thePrincipality of Ushrusana between the 6th and 9th Centuries CE.[2] It replaced the older capital of Kurukada. From the 5th to the 7th century CE, Ustushana was part of the territory of theHephthalites, followed by theWestern Turks after 560 CE.[3] The Principality probably retained a certain level of autonomy throughout this period, and was ruled directly by theafshins of the Kavus dynasty.[3] Bunjikat maintained its sovereignty until 893 CE.[4]
Several large buildings and fortresses are located in Bunjikat, such as Kalai Kahkaha I (a Palace) and Kalai Kahkaha II (a grand building on an elevated terrace), dated from the 6th to 8th century CE.[3]
The paintings of Bunjikat are among the most important of Sogdian art.[2]
This site was added to theUNESCOWorld Heritage Tentative List on November 9, 1999 in the Cultural category.[2]