Maenichean Sacral Complex

To the east of this hill is a large courtyard, in the centre of which the remains of the famous trilingual inscription of Karabalgasun were discovered. Archaeological research by the Mongolian-German Orkhon Expedition showed that the trilingual inscription originally stood in a building complex that included smaller buildings as well as a large central structure. On a 2.40 meter high platform, which was accessible via a ramp and stairs, some remains of the wall have been preserved. However, a complete reconstruction of the complex is no longer possible.

An outbuilding was also investigated. Two rooms with a hard clay screed floor and plastered interior walls were partially uncovered. Fragments of typical Uyghur pottery show that the building was part of the original city complex. A burial was also found in the north-western corner of the building, which could be clearly dated to the Mongol period based on the grave goods. The ruins of Karabalgasun were clearly still being used as a burial site centuries after the expulsion of the Uyghurs.

Based on the arrangement of the inscription, the double gate and the central platform within the double rampart, we assume that this complex was a Manichean sanctuary. However, it is generally difficult to prove that buildings were used for the practice of the Manichaean faith. Their architecture is often not very clear.