In the footsteps of a Buddhist Monk --- Tourist Gems of Uzbekistan

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June, 2002

In the footsteps of a Buddhist Monk

The history of international links between East and West on the Great Silk Road goes back a far way and is filled with interesting topics. This ancient caravan rout helped to develop both trade and cultural interaction of the various people using this route. Buddhism was brought to Uzbekistan from India at the beginning of the 1st century A.D. via the Silk Route before moving on to China, Korea and Japan.

Many ancient temples and archaeological discoveries give evidence of the spread of Buddhism in this region. Monuments of religion can be found in north-west India, the southern part of Uzbekistan and eastern Turkestan.

In 629-645 A.D. a Chinese traveler, a Buddhist monk by the name of Xuan Zang (Sanzoh Houshi), passed through Central Asia on his way to India. It was during this time that diplomatic, trade, cultural and spiritual relations between China and Central Asia were at their peak. This Buddhist pilgrim recorded all this information in his book "Da Tyan Si Yun Tzi" (Notes About Traveling Through the Western Territory During the Rule of the Great Tyan). Xuan Zang wrote about the prosperity of the Sogd state and its capital city, Samarkand. He also mentioned Chach (Tashkent), the Fergana Valley, Ustrushan, Kesh and Toharistan (Bactria), all areas in Central Asia.

The first Buddhist monument during the time of Xuan Zang`s travels through Uzbekistan was discovered by archaeologists in the Airtam district on the dank of Amu-Darya River. The scientist, Masson, who investigated this area in 1932 discovered some of the best Buddhist sculptures and a tablet with a picture of musicians. 18 km north of Termez are the ruins of Buddhist temples: Karatepa and Fayaztepa.

In 1936 - 38 the second Buddhist monument mentioned by Xuan Zang was discovered in Karatepa. One more Buddhist complex was later discovered by archaeologist, L.Albaum, in Fayaztepa. In 1967, 120 km from Termez, near the village of Dalvarzintepa, a Buddhist sanctuary was discovered in 1983 - one more Buddhist temple was found in the same area.

Hidden treasures and gold was discovered at Dalvarzin in 1972, amongst the diggings of archaeological expeditions. About 100 gold articles including pendant, large bracelets, rings as well as half - finished items made by jewelers were found in a ceramic container. This incredible discovery, weighing 36 kg dates back to the latter part of the 2nd century AD. Most these artifacts are genuine pieces of art.

Many foreign scientists have visited Dalvarzintepa and today a joint archaeological expedition led by the Uzbek Institute for Art Sciences and the Japanese Institute for the Silk Road work here. Heads of the expedition including famous archaeologist Bakhodyr Turgunov and Professor Kato Kyuzo-san from Japan are making sure that more of these invaluable discoveries are made.

These Buddhist discoveries in the south of Uzbekistan attract many visitors. Many tourists from Japan, China and South Korea visit Uzbekistan especially to follow the tracks of Xuan Zang. What they discover in this interesting area of Uzbekistan is beyond their expectations.

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