CENTRAL ASIA – Archaeologists have revealed that a lost city sits below the surface of Lake Issyk Kul in Kyrgyzstan in central Asia. They saw brick walls, broken buildings, wooden beams, and even a medieval cemetery resting just a few meters underwater.
The Atlantis-like discovery brings a similar kind of wonder. As researchers studied the ruins, they realized the lost city of Issyk Kul Lake once belonged to a thriving Silk Road community with a much deeper story.
A Lake Surrounded by Legends
Lake Issyk Kul has always carried stories. The huge alpine lake sits high in the Tian Shan mountains, and travelers often mentioned strange shapes or ruins beneath its water. Some stories sounded dramatic, but others held just enough truth to encourage researchers. People living near the lake said they sometimes saw pieces of old structures during very low water years.
Because of these details, scientists began scanning the shoreline and underwater terrain. Once they focused on the area near the Toru Aygyr settlement, they realized the rumors might hold real weight.
How the Discovery Happened
The discovery was the result of a collaboration between Kyrgyz and Russian researchers. They used underwater scans, drone imaging, sediment studies, and careful diving sessions to build a clear picture. The ruins sat in shallow water, so divers used simple but reliable tools like bright cameras and handheld lights. As they worked, they noticed straight angles, long brick lines, and beams preserved by the cold water. These shapes did not match natural rock formations. With each new dive, the site became more recognizable. The long-standing rumors of a lost city finally gained scientific support.
What Lies Beneath the Water
Researchers eventually documented several features that proved the site was once a real settlement.
Key Findings
- Fired brick foundations that kept their basic shape
- Collapsed stone walls that once formed enclosed rooms
- Wooden beams preserved under lake sediment
- A millstone used for grinding grain
- A large public building with an uncertain function
- A medieval Islamic cemetery with graves facing the qibla
These pieces helped build a fuller picture. The millstone suggested daily food preparation. The large building hinted at shared space, maybe for learning or bathing or worship. The cemetery showed Islamic burial customs from the 13th century. Each detail revealed another part of life in the lost city of Issyk Kul Lake and made the ruins feel more connected to real people.
