Орхоны Хар балгасаас олдсон Уйгур хаадын цол өргөмжлөх бичиг

Abstract

Material culture from archaeological excavations along with textual records form the basis for a better understanding of Nomadic steppe empires of the Middle Ages and their intercultural contacts. The Mongolian-German Orkhon Expedition (MONDOrEx) retrieved a fascinating collection of artefacts in Karabalgasun, the former capital of the Uyghur Empire (744/745-840). Among these artefacts, remnants of “jade books” were discovered. They are considered royal decrees for the coronation of Uyghur khans. These strips of stone are polished and inscribed with Chinese calligraphy, with the incised letters covered in gold. Originally, several of these strips were held together with gold wire, giving them the appearance of a traditional Chinese bamboo scroll. Chinese emperors used these precious gemstone scrolls during significant rituals. The discovery of these artifacts in Karabalgasun (Ordubaliq) highlights the strong affiliation between the Uyghur rulers and the Chinese imperial authority. This also bolsters the notion that the citadel held a significant political role, potentially as the Uyghur ruler’s palace. A total of 46 marble fragments with Chinese text were uncovered at the HB2 excavation location in the palace precinct of Karabalgasun. After examining the written sources detailing the history of East Asia in the 8th and 9th centuries, it is apparent that the Tang dynasty of China sent “title letters” to confirm the authority of their political partners, the Uyghurs. Analysis of Chinese inscriptions on these marble stones revealed four different inscription stages which vary by inscription size, content, and writing style. These include 1) letter for crowning Ch’ung-te as khan (821), 2) letter for re-crowning Ch’ung-te as khan (821), 3) letter for crowning Zhao-li as khan (825), and 4) letter for crowning an unknown individual as khan. The Karabalgasun citadel, where these inscriptions were discovered, underwent excavation between 2010 and 2018 under the auspices of the Mongolian- German Orkhon Expedition. The inscriptions repeatedly mentioning the names and titles of Uyghur khans indicate that the building complex was likely the royal palace. It is probable that the complex also served as an archive for important artefacts from the reign.