In the mountains of Uzbekistan, archaeologists have discovered two long-lost cities that were significant hubs on the ancient Silk Road, dating from the 6th to 11th centuries AD. These cities, Tugunbulak and Tashbulak, were situated in highland areas, roughly three miles apart, at an elevation of 6,560–7,220 feet above sea level. Tugunbulak, the larger of the two, covered approximately 300 acres and likely housed tens of thousands of inhabitants, making it one of the largest cities in Central Asia during its time. This site is believed to have been a key center for the metal industry, with preliminary findings suggesting the production of steel. Tashbulak, significantly smaller with an estimated population in the thousands, had a unique feature—a large cemetery with early Islamic burials, reflecting the spread of Islam in the region.

Researchers employed lidar technology, a laser-based method of remote sensing, to map the cities and uncover their structures, roads, and fortifications. This advancement in technology enabled a more detailed understanding of the cities’ layouts, which would have been difficult to explore otherwise due to the region’s rugged terrain. Excavations at Tugunbulak revealed kilns and furnaces, hinting at its role in the steel industry, while Tashbulak’s cemetery suggests religious or cultural significance. These findings challenge earlier views on the political and industrial landscape of the Silk Road, revealing that major centers of power and production extended beyond well-known cities like Samarkand.