Bishkek (TDI): In a step that reflects both diplomacy and shared cultural values, Kyrgyzstan and China have launched a joint effort to preserve the Ak-Beshim archaeological site, home to the remnants of the ancient city of Suyab.
Located a short distance from Tokmok, in Kyrgyzstan’s Chui Valley, Suyab once stood as a central post along the Silk Road. From the 5th to the 8th centuries, it served as the capital of the Western Turkic Kaganate and played a vital role in regional trade. The site’s historical relevance spans political, religious, and cultural dimensions.
What makes the current initiative stand out is the collaborative lab that’s being set up between the Kyrgyz Ministry of Culture and China’s Dunhuang Research Academy. This joint lab is expected to lead preservation efforts not just at Ak-Beshim, but also contribute to broader work across the region. Fieldwork has already started. A formal plan for conservation is in progress.
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There’s more to Suyab than trade history. Chinese sources have suggested that Li Bo, the famed poet of the Tang dynasty, may have been born here. And archaeologists recently uncovered what may be Kyrgyzstan’s oldest known Christian structure, a Nestorian church, possibly from the 7th century.
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Although the city eventually declined, especially with the rise of Balasagun nearby, the ruins remain important. There’s growing interest in preserving them as part of the Belt and Road Initiative’s cultural goals.
Officials from both countries say the project shows how ancient connections can still inspire cooperation today. It’s about preserving history, yes, but also about creating something that future generations, across borders, can value.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
