During the expert discussion of the General Plan for Bishkek, which is to be implemented by 2050, Alexander Kamyshev addressed the developers with a question about the future of the "Blacksmith Fortress" — a unique archaeological monument located in the city center. Representatives of the city administration assured that the fortress would remain under protection.
Kamyshev noted: "In your presentation on tourism and ecology development, you mentioned the need to create attractive places for tourists. Currently, guests of the capital do not spend enough time here, and they need unique and comfortable facilities. I am convinced that the 'Blacksmith Fortress' has every chance to become a center of attraction for tourists both in Kyrgyzstan and in Bishkek. It is necessary to give this site the attention it deserves and allocate funds for its restoration."
The scholar also reminded about the successful completion of the second season of archaeological excavations at the "Blacksmith Fortress," funded by the state. The artifacts found provided important data about the ancient history of the city. "Coins and items dating back to the 7th-9th centuries confirm that this settlement, identified with Jules mentioned in early medieval sources, is over 1400 years old. The exact date of its founding is still unknown. Ahead lies the clearing of the cultural layer down to the natural soil, where new discoveries may be made," he added.
Earlier, VB.KG reported on the tragic fate of the medieval settlement, where the Kokandis built the Pishpek fortress 200 years ago. In 1862, the Kyrgyz, who rose against the feudal oppression of the Kokandis, besieged this fortress and sent a messenger for help to Verny (now Almaty).
Currently, the archaeological monument in Bishkek suffers from years of dumping. Since the 1980s, thousands of cubic meters of construction and household waste have been dumped on the site of ancient earth dwellings, making it necessary to carry out cleanup work.
