Bunjikat (Kahkaha)
Бунҷикат
The ruins of the Ustrushana capital near Shahriston, where the woodcarvings and murals of Kahkaha Palace once astonished the archaeological world.
Bunjikat was the capital of the Ustrushana kingdom from the 7th to 9th centuries AD and lies on the outskirts of Shahriston. Excavations uncovered the Kahkaha Palace site, whose murals depicting the 'wolf suckling twins' and finely carved woodwork (the originals are held at the National Museum of Antiquities in Dushanbe) represent the art of the Sogdian-Ustrushana tradition. The site consists mainly of rammed-earth city walls and palace foundations, with a small exhibition hall alongside. Entry is free or nominally charged. About 90 km from Khujand, it is often combined with Istaravshan as a day trip, which requires a hired car.
Opening hours
Open daytime
Nearby sights
- Kok Gumbaz Mosque
- Istaravshan Old Town
- Mug Teppe
- Khujand Fortress
- Historical Museum of Sughd
- Kamoli Khujandi Park
- Syr Darya Embankment
- Sheikh Muslihiddin Mosque and Mausoleum