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Armoured Cavalry, Sogdian Bunjikat
A larger detail of these Armoured Cavalry, Sogdian Bunjikat. Tajikistan National Museum of Antiquities, Dushanbe.
The ancient site of Bunjikat also known as Shahariston, is located in the Sogd province of western Tajikistan, near the town of Bunjikat on the Shaharistan Pass at the entrance to the Fergana Valley.
Bunjikat was the former capital of the Principality of Ushursana from the 6th to 9th centuries AD. It replaced the old capital of Kurkada. From the 5th to 7th centuries AD, Ustushana was part of the Hephthalite realm, followed by the Western Turks after 560 AD. The principality probably retained some degree of autonomy throughout this period and was directly ruled by the Afshin of the Kavus dynasty. Bunjikat remained sovereign until 893 AD.
Bunjikat has several large buildings and fortresses built between the 6th and 8th centuries AD, including Karai Kahakaha I (palace) and Karai Kahakaha II (a majestic building on a high terrace).
Bunjikat Archeological Site.
Photo by Jeff Rozwadowski