Nomgon-2 Memorial Complex: A Glimpse into Mongolia’s Gokturk History
Archaeologists from the Turkish Academy, in collaboration with the Archeology Institute of the Mongolian Academy of Sciences, have made a significant discovery in the Nomgon Valley of Mongolia. The excavation efforts that began in 2019 have led to the uncovering of a monumental complex and the upper part of an inscription belonging to İlteriş Kutluğ Kağan, the father of Göktürk State rulers Bilge Kağan and Kül Tigin.
The inscription, found in 2022, consists of a 12-line text engraved in Göktürk script and a 6-line text written in Sogdian. This discovery provides solid evidence that the complex was constructed in honor of a khan. However, the lower part of the inscription, discovered in 2023, has suffered significant damage to the Göktürk script, making it unreadable. Nonetheless, the Chinese hieroglyphs on the back of the inscription have been partially preserved and reveal intriguing details.
The Chinese text, read from top to bottom and right to left, contains references to a “Turkish elder” and the title “Kutlug,” strengthening the belief that the Nomgon-2 Memorial Complex dates back to the Gokturk period. The inscription is believed to have been dedicated to Ilterish Kutlug Khagan, the founder of the Second Turkish Khaganate.
The excavations will continue with the involvement of experts from Inner Mongolia University to further analyze the Chinese text and unlock more insights into this historical site. The discovery of İlteriş Kutluğ Kağan’s inscription, considered the oldest written work of the Göktürk period, marks a significant milestone in understanding this ancient civilization.
The joint efforts of the Turkish Academy and the Mongolian Academy of Sciences promise further revelations about the rich history of the Nomgon Valley and its connection to the Göktürk rulers. Stay tuned for more updates on this fascinating archaeological journey.
