Russian scientists discover sunken medieval city beneath Lake Issyk-Kul
A team of Russian and Kyrgyz researchers just found a lost medieval city under Lake Issyk-Kul in Kyrgyzstan. Called the Toru-Aygyr complex, this place was once a bustling Silk Road trading hub.
During a fall 2025 expedition, divers uncovered brick buildings, a grain millstone, religious sites, and even a 13th-century Muslim cemetery—all discovered underwater.
Ancient city abandoned after earthquake—Residents escaped in time
The city thrived until an early 1400s earthquake hit, but unlike Pompeii, people managed to evacuate before disaster struck.
That lucky timing means many artifacts and structures survived undisturbed for centuries.
Researchers used high-tech dating methods to piece together the story.
Why does this matter?
This discovery opens up new chapters about Silk Road history and ancient cultures in Central Asia.
The international team hopes these findings will help protect the site and spark more research into what life was like along one of history's most legendary trade routes.