Translated with AI
This year, in the Vose district, to mark the inscription of the cultural heritage sites of Ancient Khuttal on the UNESCO World Heritage List, the Agency for the Protection of Historical and Cultural Heritage under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan will hold an international symposium entitled "Ancient Khuttal – the Origin of the Tajik Language, an Ancient and Multifaceted Civilization of the Central Asian Region." This was reported by NIAT Khovar, citing the Agency for the Protection of Historical and Cultural Heritage under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan.
The reason for holding the international event in the Vose district is because one of the main attractions of Ancient Khuttal is the Khulbuk Fortress archaeological complex—the remains of the palace of the capital of Ancient Khuttal. The ancient fortress, whose history spans several thousand years, is located in the Vose district of Khatlon region.
The International Symposium is expected to bring together historians and archaeologists from various countries. A number of events will be held, including a national conference entitled "The Place of Ancient Khuttal in the Development of Tajik National History." A film about the monuments of Ancient Khuttal is also planned.
It is noted that the finds on the walls of Khulbuk are the oldest known examples of Tajik writing. Experts will present research papers on this topic at the symposium.
In 2025, the sites of Ancient Khuttal, including 11 historical and cultural monuments in the Khatlon Region, were inscribed on the UNESCO Tentative List. These include the monuments of the Khulbuk Fortress, the town of Khulbuk, the Manzarateppa settlement in the Vakhsh District, the Zoli Zar Fortress, the Mausoleum of Mavlona Tajiddin, Shahrteppa, and Tohir Korvonsaroy in the Farkhor District, the Khishteppa Buddhist Monastery in the Khovaling District, the Ajinateppa Buddhist Monastery in the Vakhsh District, and the Galevard settlement in the Jaloliddin Balkhi District.
As noted, one of the key sites of Ancient Khuttal is the Khulbuk Fortress archaeological complex.
According to Sherali Khodjazoda, Director of the Agency for the Protection of Historical and Cultural Heritage under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, archaeological excavations are currently ongoing. Hundreds of valuable historical and cultural artifacts have been discovered during the research, including fragments of glass vessels, decorative and simple ceramic dishes, bricks of various sizes, copper and bronze rings, iron and copper nails, as well as traces of artisan activity in ancient workshops, including a smelter, glassmaking, brickmaking, and pottery workshops.
"The medieval Khulbuk was recognized as a priority historical and cultural center of international significance at the conference 'Development of Cooperation, Development of Joint Projects within the Framework of Cultural Cooperation' in Moscow," said Sherali Khodjazoda.
The Khatlon Kings' Palace, the Khulbuk district, the Khatlon Kings' Mausoleum, the medieval Khulbuk Baths, and the Khulbuk Museum traditionally attract tourists. The museum displays historical relics and valuable artifacts discovered during archaeological excavations.
