Fayaz-Tepa in Termez
Fayaz-Tepa
Fayaz-Tepa is an ancient Buddhist complex located in Termez, Uzbekistan, near the northwestern ruins of old Termez. Discovered in 1968 by archaeologist Absad Beknaev, who found a remarkable alabaster sculpture of Buddha buried in the sand dunes, the site has since revealed significant insights into Central Asia’s Buddhist heritage and the art of the Kushanid period.
Archaeological Discovery and Layout
Once excavations began, archaeologists uncovered the architectural layout of Fayaz-Tepa, which covers an area of approximately 1.5 square kilometers. The complex consists of three main sections: a central temple, a monastery to the northwest, and household buildings in the southeast. Uniquely, a significant stupa stands outside the main square, connected by a path paved with bricks and stones, leading to the sacred altar within the temple.
Architectural Features and Artistry
Inside the temple, visitors can find colorful murals adorning the walls, although much of the original artwork has faded over time. Among the most notable artifacts is the alabaster statue of Buddha, characterized by finely detailed black hair framing a serene face, representing a significant example of Kushanid-era artistry. Fragments of wall paintings reveal figures in red robes, scenes of worship, and delicate facial depictions carved into clay fragments measuring up to 60 by 80 centimeters.
Along the temple’s eastern wall, a brick pedestal was constructed to display sculptures, with surfaces covered in stone fragments. Many statues are made from a mixture of clay and straw, layered with plaster for finishing. The heads, arms, and legs of these statues were crafted separately and then assembled onto the bodies. The triad sculpture, carved from a single piece of marble and found opposite the temple door, depicts Buddha seated beneath the sacred bodhi tree, flanked by two monks in prayer.
Courtyard and Monastery Life
The temple courtyard measures 33 by 20 meters and features doorways leading to monks’ rooms on all four sides. A large hall dominates the courtyard’s center, with remnants of vibrant murals visible along the lower walls. The northwestern corner of the courtyard holds a trapezoidal pond lined with marble fragments and fitted with a drainage hole shaped like a lion’s open mouth. The water here was clean and suitable for drinking, symbolizing strength and purity in Kushanid art.
Connected to the temple via a courtyard doorway, the monastery provided living quarters for monks and students. These rooms included shelves for oil lamps and elevated platforms (soups) along certain walls, designed to support Buddha statues. When religious services paused, monks, disciples, and pilgrims gathered in the temple’s central area for quiet reflection and prayer, maintaining the spiritual life of Fayaz-Tepa as a vital Buddhist center in Termez.
Today, Fayaz-Tepa remains an essential destination for those exploring Termez’s Buddhist heritage and the broader cultural landscape of Uzbekistan along the Silk Road. The site offers a unique glimpse into ancient religious practices, artistic traditions, and the cosmopolitan influences that shaped Central Asia’s rich history.