Karabalgasun – Stadt der Nomaden: Die archäologischen Ausgrabungen in der frühuigurischen Hauptstadt 2009–2011 by Burkart Dähne

Archaeological excavations at Karabalgasun, the capital of the early Uyghur Empire (c. 744–840 CE), reveal significant insights into urbanism and sedentary practices in the Inner Asian steppes during the Turco-Mongol era. The study, led by Burkart Dähne, utilized LIDAR technology to map the extensive city layout, covering over 30 km², and conducted excavations from 2009 to 2011. Findings challenge traditional assumptions about nomadic lifestyles, suggesting a complex transition towards sedentism in this region. The research focuses on architectural features, providing a detailed analysis of urban structures that were previously largely unknown or unpublished. This work contributes to the broader understanding of urbanization and cultural shifts in Inner Asia, an area often neglected in historical and archaeological studies due to its inaccessibility and focus on pastoral nomadic practices.

Bemmann, J. (2019). Karabalgasun – Stadt der Nomaden: Die archäologischen Ausgrabungen in der frühuigurischen Hauptstadt 2009–2011 by Burkart Dähne. Asian Perspectives, 58(1), 204–208. https://doi.org/10.1353/asi.2019.0011