Discovery of a Temple at Kuldor-Tepa in Uzbekistan

Abstract This paper provides a succinct outline of the findings from the 2023 excavations conducted at Kuldor-tepa in Urgut, Samarkand region. The excavations, focused on the south-western suburban area of the site, have revealed a complex that is reminiscent of Sogdian variations of Zoroastrian sanctuaries found in Central Asia. The complex includes a cella with two stairs in the innermost area, connected to a larger hall with smaller side chambers. This arrangement resembles the layout of the temples of Panjikent and appears to support the hypothesis of its function as a temple. Kuldor-tepa is situated approximately 25 km south-east of Samarkand. The original name of the site remains uncertain, with arguments suggesting it may be the remnants of Boxide ( 鉢息徳 ), mentioned in Chinese historical sources as the capital castle or town of Mi ( 米 ), or Maymurgh principality, one of the major yet little-known Sogdian city-states.