Nestorian and Moor Temples in Xinjiang Shortlisted for New Archaeological Discoveries in China
The Nestorian temple ruins west of Turpan and the Moor Temple ruins in Kashgar have both been shortlisted for the new archaeological discoveries in China for 2023. The announcement was made during the “Chinese Academy of Social Sciences Archeology Forum·New Archaeological Discoveries in China in 2023” in Beijing.
The Nestorian temple ruins, dating back to the Tang and Song Dynasties, are located in the west of Turpan City, Xinjiang. The site covers an area of about 2,000 square meters and has been the subject of excavations by Sun Yat-sen University, Xinjiang Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, and Turpan Institute of Studies.
During the excavation, the ruins of a Nestorian temple with a relatively complete structure and well-preserved artifacts were discovered. The site contains ritual buildings, kitchens, wine cellars, and bedrooms, providing insight into the religious and cultural exchanges in the ancient Western Regions.
The Moor Temple ruins, dating back to the Han and Tang Dynasties, are located in Boshikeram Township, Kashgar City, Kashgar Prefecture. The site, which covers an area of 3,300 square meters, was the focus of excavations by Minzu University of China and the Xinjiang Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology. The discoveries at the site have shed light on the historical process of the development and evolution of the Moor Temple site and its significance in the history of Buddhism in the ancient Western Regions.
The “Six Major New Archaeological Discoveries” selected by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences are considered to be biased toward the academic value of archaeological projects. They aim to promote academic exchanges and the development of China’s archaeological undertakings.
Both the Nestorian temple ruins and the Moor Temple ruins are significant archaeological discoveries, providing valuable insights into the cultural and religious history of Xinjiang.
The selection of these sites for the new archaeological discoveries in China highlights the importance of ongoing archaeological work in Xinjiang and the rich historical heritage of the region.