Tumxuk

Tumxuk is an oasis city in the Tarim Basin, located in present-day Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China. It is also the name of a county-level city under the administration of the Kashgar Prefecture. Historically, Tumxuk was an important center along the Northern Silk Road, specifically the southern route circumventing the Taklamakan Desert.

The city flourished as a Buddhist center during the Kushan and post-Kushan periods. Archaeological excavations have revealed numerous Buddhist monasteries, stupas, and artistic artifacts, reflecting the region's diverse cultural influences, including Indo-European, Iranian, and Chinese traditions.

The ancient oasis of Tumxuk began to decline in importance with the rise of other trading centers and changes in trade routes. Eventually, the city was largely abandoned, its history fading into obscurity.

Today, the modern city of Tumxuk is a developing urban center with a growing population. It serves as an administrative and economic hub for the surrounding region. The area is also known for its agricultural production, particularly cotton.

The historical significance of Tumxuk as a Silk Road oasis and a center of Buddhist culture continues to be recognized, with ongoing archaeological research and preservation efforts aimed at understanding and protecting its rich cultural heritage.