Archaeologists begin new excavation season at Bishkek's Kurchatova Fortress

Residents of Bishkek have observed the resumption of archaeological excavations at the Kurchatova Fortress, a significant historical site in the capital. Social media footage shows students and scientists carefully clearing the ancient settlement's cultural layer.

These excavations are part of an ongoing research project into one of Bishkek's oldest archaeological landmarks. The state has allocated around 7.5 million soms for this new phase of work, which began in June.

The Kurchatova Fortress, also identified as the Jul settlement, is located in the historical Kurchatova district of Bishkek. Researchers indicate that the settlement existed as early as the 7th to 9th centuries and was situated along a route of the Great Silk Road. Later, in the 19th century, Kokandians constructed the Pishpek fortification on this site.

Archaeological investigations, initiated in 2024, have already yielded coins and other artifacts from the early Middle Ages. Scientists believe these findings confirm the settlement's age exceeds 1,400 years. Researchers anticipate that further excavations will help more precisely establish the ancient settlement's founding period and reveal new aspects of Bishkek's history.