The Strategic Role of Ancient Termez At The Crossroads of The Great Silk Road: Cultural Exchange, Trade, and Urban Development

Abstract

The Surkhandarya Province situated on the cross-roads of ancient civilizations in South Uzbekistan is one of the most diverse cultural landscapes in Central Asia. This region was a crucial part of both the ancient Great Silk Road - and its corridors saw an active exchange of goods and products, religious beliefs and art. History Surkhandarya was a host for early Buddhist cultural centers such as that of Fayaztepa which was the center of the Greco-Buddhist Culture along with Khalchayan. Other notable sights include a fortified tower located in Sariosiyo and Dulmurod's house (early 19th century) built in traditional architectural style. With these monuments beside it, the region retained such strong traditions of pottery production, carpet weaving, and embroidery as defined much of its cultural identity. However, one way of doing this is by undertaking a comparative historical analysis alongside a descriptive examination of material culture. Materials The materials used in this study were archaeological and inscriptive data, archival documents, and local craft studies which were integrated to track the developments emplaced over different historical phases. Results testified that the Tavka fortress represented a customs point of the Silk Road with unique mural paintings; Karatepa and Fayoztepa Buddhist centers with multilingual inscriptions and sculptural appearance became eminent on their time, whilst Kirqqiz complex was an early scientific and astronomical institution. Although alternating periods of decline and revival occured, crafts on the local level preserved peculiar stylistic features and socio-cultural relevance. Multilayered historical and cultural heritage of Surkhandarya as a testimony to longstanding interaction, continuity of artistic traditions and spiritual history, testament of the need for preservation sites and crafts.