Манихейский комплекс во дворце средневекового города Кулан (VIII в.)

Abstract

Written sources and archaeological data evidence those in the Middle Ages culture and spiritual life of South Kazakhstan towns' citizens were rich and variable. It was promoted by the historical events and location unique materials approving the evidences of written sources on the Turkic Manichean study were got during conduction of archaeological works at citadel of Lugovoye (Kulan) site of ancient settlement. The palace complex is dated by the VIII century and it belonged to the local Turgesh ruler. Among the revealed premises especially interesting are the premises № 1 and № 2. Premise 2 is defined as the throne hall. There on the wall were applied graphic pictures of people, animals and birds and also patterns by black color on white background. The upper part occupied by the floral ornamentation. Two cult niches combined by frieze-belt were revealed in the premise 1. Pictures are made by carving on raw clay. Ornamented circles, images of grape, sprout islimi, notches — merlons — ledges completing the fortress wall are presented in decor. Semantic contest of decor is conformed to the sacred texts and the results of their researches.