Formation of the Topography and Developmental Dynamics of the Kitab-Shahrisabz Oasis

Archaeological evidence challenges the traditional view that ancient Kesh was located at Shahrisabz, instead supporting its identification with modern Kitab. The study reconstructs the developmental dynamics of the Kitab-Shahrisabz oasis from antiquity to the early 20th century, revealing that urban development in Kitab began as early as the third-second centuries BCE and thrived during the Kushan-Kangju period, characterized by defensive walls, a citadel, and rich cultural deposits. In contrast, Shahrisabz remained predominantly rural until the ninth–twelfth centuries, when it emerged as a major urban center under Timurid rule. The research integrates archaeological, topographical, architectural, historical, and ethnographic data, including findings from the Kesh Archaeological and Topographical Expedition (KATE) conducted in the 1960s, to clarify the historical relationship between these urban centers and their evolution over time.

Gilmanova, N. (2026). Formation of the Topography and Developmental Dynamics of the Kitab-Shahrisabz Oasis. International Journal of Current Science Research and Review, 09(09). https://doi.org/10.47191/ijcsrr/v9-i9-05