An archaeological expedition from China and Mongolia has made a significant discovery by uncovering an ancient Turkic runic inscription in the Mongolian province of Bayankhongor. The research was conducted during fieldwork, and the symbols, which date back to the 8th century, were recorded on a rock surface. This information was published by the Chinese tabloid Global Times.

The inscription consists of a series of well-preserved runic symbols and demonstrates excellent condition of the carving. High-resolution photographic documentation was prepared to document the find, a map was created, and detailed records were made in accordance with archaeological research standards. A thorough survey of the surrounding area was also conducted, adding value to the study.

Runic writing was used by various nomadic states on the Mongolian plateau, including the Turkic and Uyghur khanates, from the 7th to the 10th centuries. The most famous examples of such inscriptions are the monuments in the Orkhon Valley.

This find significantly enriches the existing limited collection of runic inscriptions, which are about 1300 years old. It is expected to influence the study of Turkic and Uyghur history, as well as research on the ancient Silk Road. Archaeologists, in collaboration with linguists and historians, will begin deciphering the text and conducting comprehensive studies. The results of their work will be presented to the scientific community.

Published Date:2026-07-31