Torbulok - a recently discovered sanctuary in the Hellenistic Far East

• Applicant: Dr. Gunvor Lindström
• Subject Area: Classical, Roman, Christian and Islamic Archaeology ; Egyptology and Ancient Near Eastern Studies ; Prehistory and World Archaeology
• Term: from 2013 to 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 240144108

In 2012 the identification of a large stone vessel as cult vessel led to the discovery of a sanctuary of the Hellenistic period at Torbulok, in the Southwest of Tajikistan. The cult vessel or perirrhanterion was used for purification rituals according to Greek tradition. The discovery of the site offered the unique opportunity to excavate an ancient Bactrian sanctuary with modern methods, assuming that the findings tell something about the rituals and the cult traditions in Hellenistic Bactria. During the archaeological investigations starting in fall of 2013 the sacred character of the site was verified. The excavations unvovered an area of 400 square meters with a complex of several terraces, courtyards and smaller buildings. The buildings are from three phases, which are according to the ceramic evidence of Hellenistic date (end of 4th to mid-2nd century B.C). Of special significance for the history of ancient Bactrian religion is a courtyard with seven miniature altars as well as two water basins connected to a cult installation containing several votive gifts and offerings. The sanctuary in Torbulok was likely a rural shrine of regional importance. It testifies a type of sanctuary previously unknown in Hellenistic Bactria.The core of the sanctuary is located on a high terrace, which has been detected at the end of the current excavations but was not uncovered. Therefore, the future investigations will focus on this main terrace. The aim is to uncover the temple, which was likely constructed with rammed earth (pahsa) and additional columns. There are likely more installations and findings of ritual significance, such as depositions of sacrificial relics or the altar area. These will be investigated. And finally, the excavations will determine if a source motivated the establishment of the cult. In summary, the ongoing archaeological research at Torbulok will give new insights into the religious history of Bactria and a deeper understanding of cultural phenomena in the Hellenistic Far East.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Tajikistan
• Cooperation Partner: Privatdozentin Dr. Tatjana G. Filimonova
• Co-Investigators: Dr. Jan Lentschke; Privatdozent Dr. Mohsen Makki