Bunjikat (archeological site)

Bunjikat was the former capital city of the Principality 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 the Hephthalites, followed by the Western Turks after 560 CE.^[3] The Principality probably retained a certain level of autonomy throughout this period, and was ruled directly by the afshins 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]

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  Kalai Kahkaha 1
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  Kalai Kahkaha 2

The paintings of Bunjikat are among the most important of Sogdian art.^[2]

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  Bunjikat wall painting of goddess Nana, 8th-9th century.^[5]
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  "Romulus and Remus" scene from Bunjikat.^[6][7]
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  Warrior demon, Kalai Kahkaha, early 9th century CE. Hermitage Museum
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  Deity, Kalai Khakaha I, early 9th century CE, Hermitage Museum.^[3]
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  Heads of Demons, Kala-i Kahkaha I Palace, Bunjikat, Ustrushana, 8th–9th century CE.^[3]
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  Bunjikat, figure with pointed and crescented helmet
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  God Weshparkar with bow, Kala-i Kakhakakha I, Shahristan palace, Ustrushana, Tajikistan, 8-9th century CE, National Museum of Antiquities of Tajikistan (RTL 215)
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  Cavalry battle scene

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Bunjikat.

This site was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List on November 9, 1999, in the Cultural category.^[2]