A mihrab and an ossuary have been found at the ancient city ruins of Odirmon in Qashqadaryo
In the Kamashi district of Qashqadaryo region, excavations at the Odirmon archaeological site, dating back to the 3rd century BC — 3rd century AD, revealed a religious ritual altar and an ossuary associated with burial traditions. Traces of fire were preserved on the altar, while patterns resembling a deer and a juniper tree were preserved on the ossuary.
An altar and an ossuary were found in the ancient city ruins of Odirman in Qashqadaryo
During the research conducted at the Odirman city archaeological site located in the Qamashi district of Qashqadaryo region, an altar associated with religious rituals and a unique ossuary were discovered.
Archaeological excavations at the site are being conducted for the first time this year by Sanjar Abdurahimov, an employee of the Samarkand Institute of Archaeology. The research is being carried out on the defensive structures and the citadel part of the monument.
During the excavations, an altar associated with religious rituals was found in the northeastern part of the monument. Traces of fire are well preserved on it. The height of the altar is 70 centimeters, and its width is 90 centimeters.
The floor of the altar is paved with baked tile-like bricks measuring 18×28×2.5 centimeters. The surrounding area of the structure is covered with clay plaster 2.5–3 centimeters thick. The fact that the plaster layers were renewed several times indicates that the altar was used for a long time and regularly repaired.
During the research, an important find related to religious-spiritual life and burial rituals — an ossuary — was also discovered. Its outer surface features various decorations and images, including patterns resembling a deer and a juniper tree. The full meaning of the images is expected to be studied more precisely after the restoration work is completed.
According to the preliminary conclusions of experts, the Odirman city monument dates back to the period between the 3rd century BC and the 3rd century AD.
It is noted that the discovered altar and ossuary will serve as an important source for studying the religious beliefs, rituals, and burial traditions of the ancient population who lived at the site.