QALA OF MUQANNA: ROUTES OF SEARCH ( PRELIMINARY REPORT)

Abstract

Rebellion of Muqanna was one of the interesting pages in the history of Central Asia of 8th century. However, search of Qala of Mukanna fortress where he lived several years was not the subject of special study. The goal of this article is to compare the data of important written sources with archaeological situation and specifically recently discovered site located in the mountains north of Hissar ridge surrounding Shahrisyabz Oasis on the south side. Location and the special features of this fortress nearby Kesh-Shakhrisyabz largely correspond to the descriptions of medieval authors. Discovery of stone structures located near the fortress are likely to be houses, buildings of Arab commander al-Harashi. Further archaeological studies may confirm or refute the assumptions.