Kyrgyzstan, China launch joint conservation project at ancient Silk Road city
Partnership to preserve Ak-Beshim, site of historic Suyab, aims to deepen cultural ties and protect shared Silk Road heritage
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan (MNTV) — In a major step toward cultural preservation and regional cooperation, Kyrgyzstan and China have launched a joint initiative to conserve the Ak-Beshim archaeological site, home to the ancient city of Suyab—once a thriving Silk Road hub in Central Asia.
The conservation effort is being led by Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Culture, Information and Youth Policy in collaboration with China’s Dunhuang Research Academy.
According to The Times of Central Asia, the two sides have established a joint laboratory focused on cultural heritage preservation, which will guide restoration and research efforts at the site.
Located roughly 7 kilometers southwest of Tokmok in Kyrgyzstan’s Chui Valley, Suyab flourished between the 5th and 8th centuries. It served as the capital of the Western Turkic Kaganate and became a vital center for trade and cultural exchange along the Chang’an-Tian Shan Corridor—a key segment of the historic Silk Road currently under review for UNESCO World Heritage status.
Suyab holds deep historical resonance for both countries. Chinese historical records suggest that famed Tang dynasty poet Li Bo may have been born there, further underlining the site’s significance. Archaeologists have also discovered a 7th or 8th century Nestorian Christian church at the site—the oldest known Christian structure in Kyrgyzstan.
A conservation plan has already been drafted following preliminary fieldwork, and the new laboratory is expected to become a regional hub for cultural research and preservation.
Officials say the facility will not only focus on Ak-Beshim but also support heritage protection across other Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries, creating a network of collaboration for Silk Road-era landmarks.
Suyab’s prominence began to fade in the 11th century, overshadowed by the rise of Balasagun, another ancient city in the Chui Valley near the iconic Burana Tower. But interest in Suyab remains strong, driven by its historical, architectural, and cultural legacy.
Officials from both Kyrgyzstan and China say the partnership is more than a technical project—it is a symbolic act of cultural diplomacy that bridges ancient civilizations and promotes shared stewardship of global heritage.
As China expands its BRI footprint across Central Asia, projects like Ak-Beshim reflect a deeper commitment to preserving the region’s historical identity alongside economic cooperation.
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