Tash Rabat — Attraction in Naryn Region

Tash Rabat is a well-preserved 15th-century stone caravanserai located in the Naryn Province of Kyrgyzstan, at an altitude of 3,200 meters (10,500 ft) . This historic site, once an important stop along the ancient Silk Road trade route, offers visitors a unique glimpse into the region's rich cultural heritage.The caravanserai's strategic location, nestled between Lake Chatyr-Kul and Torugart Pass, made it an ideal resting place for weary travelers and their caravans . The structure itself is an architectural marvel, consisting of 31 rooms, including chambers in the central hall, all constructed using rubble stone on clay mortar with gypsum mortar sealing the joints .One of the most intriguing aspects of Tash Rabat is the ongoing debate surrounding its original purpose. While it is widely accepted that it functioned as a caravanserai, some scholars have suggested that it may have also served as a Nestorian monastery or a Buddhist temple in the past . The absence of Christian artifacts and the presence of Buddhist inscriptions and references have led researchers to conclude that the site was likely a Buddhist monastery during its construction period .Visitors to Tash Rabat can explore the well-preserved rooms and domes, which provide a glimpse into the daily lives of the caravanserai's former inhabitants . The deep hole in the floor of one of the furthest rooms is a particularly intriguing feature, reminiscent of a well . The site's remote location and stunning natural surroundings make it a popular destination for hikers and horse-trekkers, who can enjoy the caretakers' hospitality by staying in the yurts built in the vicinity of the caravanserai .Overall, Tash Rabat is a captivating and well-preserved historical site that offers visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time and immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of the Silk Road . The ongoing research and debate surrounding its origins add to the site's allure, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history and architecture of...

There has been some debate about whether Tash Rabat was originally built as a caravanserai or a temple. As early as 1888, Russian doctor and traveler Nicolay Lvovich Zeland suggested that the site was originally a East Syrian or Buddhist monastery.[2]

Research undertaken at the end of the 1970s and beginning of the 1980s by the Institute of History of the Kyrgyz Academy of Sciences concluded that Tash Rabat was originally built as a Nestorian monastery in the 10th century, although no Christian artifacts were found during excavations. Later it was determined to be a Buddhist monastery as all inscriptions, artifacts and references were found to be Buddhist in nature. This was further supported by the fact that its inhabitants were Buddhist during the period of its construction.

Таш-Рабатта Борбордук Теңир-Тоо аркылуу өткөн Улуу Жибек жолундагы кербенчи-саякатчылар жана башкалар тейленген. Таш-Рабат жөнүндө алгачкы жолу XVI кылымдын 2-жарымында Мухаммед Хайдар эскерип, эстелик 1408-16-жылдары курулган деп эсептейт.

1859-жылы Ч. Валиханов төмөнкүчө баяндайт:

«Имарат чополуу сланец жалпак плита таштардан курулган, узундугу 12, туурасы 7 саржанча келет. Узун коридорду улай тегерек зал (радиусу 5 кез), үстү айдөш тоголок болуп кетет. Коридордун капталдарында кичинекей жана жапыз эшиктери бар, алардан чарчы, чакан бөлмөлөргө өтөт. Бул имарат бир кезде сыртынан да, ичинен да шыбалса керек».

1878-жылы орус саякатчысы A. М. Фетисовдун маалыматтарында Таш-Рабат кербенчилер менен жолоочулар акысыз түнөп өтүүчү «Сапар мейманканасы» сыяктанат деп белгилеп, аны Чымкенттен Ташкентти көздөй кеткен жол боюндагы рабаттарга окшоштурат. 1886-жылы чыгыш таануучу Н. Л. Зеланд Таш-Рабатты кербен-сарай эмес, диний курулуш болуп саналат деп божомолдогон. 1944-жылы A. Н. Бернштам жетектеген Тянь-Шань-Алай археологиялык экспедициясы Таш-Рабатты изилдеп, аны кербен сарай деп эсептеп, имараттын архитектурасына көчмөндөрдүн күчтүү таасири тийгендигин айтып, «Таш-Рабат - өзүнчө бир жасалгалуу боз үйдү тегеректеген, көчмөндөрдүн таш болуп катып калган айылы сыяктуу элес...

Unique place to visit. Here you get that feeling Alexander the Great must've had when conquering this region back in the old days. And Marco Polo ofcourse ;-). Well, just saying, if you're raised in a Western country, this is not to miss. Almost in China, somewhere on the silk road. Doesn't get more magic. Tash Rabat is a stunning building, restored and all. The road to the place is special as well, and usually you'll find some more tourists in this area as well, which is quite unique to Kyrgyzstan. Visited in august...