Gao Chang

Gao Chang (高昌), also known as Khocho, was an ancient oasis city-state located in the Tarim Basin, in what is now the Turpan Prefecture of Xinjiang, China. Its ruins lie approximately 30 kilometers (19 miles) southeast of modern Turpan.

History:

Gao Chang's history spans several periods, marked by rule under different groups:

• Early History: The area likely saw habitation long before becoming the city of Gao Chang. The initial population was probably composed of Indo-European Tocharians.

• Xiongnu Influence: During the Han dynasty, the area came under the influence of the Xiongnu confederation.

• Gao Chang Kingdom: After the decline of the Xiongnu, Gao Chang gained a degree of independence. It became a significant center along the Silk Road.

• Qiuci (Kucha) and Rouran Influence: Gao Chang was subsequently influenced by the kingdom of Qiuci and the Rouran Khaganate.

• Gao Chang Uyghur Kingdom (Kingdom of Qocho): In the mid-9th century, after the collapse of the Uyghur Khaganate in Mongolia, a group of Uyghurs migrated south and established the Kingdom of Qocho around Gao Chang. They adopted a sedentary lifestyle and a blend of cultures, including Buddhism. This period saw a flourishing of art, literature, and commerce.

• Kara-Khanid Khanate Influence: The Kara-Khanid Khanate exerted varying degrees of influence over Qocho.

• Mongol Conquest: In the 13th century, Gao Chang was conquered by the Mongol Empire. The city gradually declined in importance.

Significance:

Gao Chang held significant importance due to:

• Strategic Location: Its location on the Silk Road made it a crucial trading hub, facilitating the exchange of goods and ideas between East and West.

• Cultural Center: The city was a melting pot of cultures, with influences from China, India, Persia, and Central Asia. Buddhism flourished in Gao Chang, leaving behind a rich legacy of religious art and texts.

• Archaeological Significance: The ruins of Gao Chang have yielded valuable archaeological finds, including murals, manuscripts, and artifacts that shed light on the history, culture, and religion of the region. These discoveries provide important insights into the Silk Road and the interaction between different civilizations.

Ruins:

The ruins of Gao Chang are a vast archaeological site, featuring the remains of city walls, temples, monasteries, residential areas, and other structures. The Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, located nearby, are also associated with the Gao Chang Uyghur Kingdom. The site is a significant tourist attraction and a protected historical site.