The Kök-Tash underground mausoleum in north-eastern Kyrgyzstan: the first-ever identified Qara Khitai elite tomb?

Abstract The Qara Khitai or Western Liao dynasty (1124–1218) is one of the most fascinating polities in medieval Eurasia, but also least documented terms both literary sources and material culture. Founded by Khitan refugees who escaped from North China when Jurchen Jin (1115–1234) vanquished (907–1125), soon established a multicultural empire Central Asia, combining Khitan, Chinese, Muslim elements. Buddhist ruled over their mostly population rare harmony until rise Chinggis Khan (r. 1206–1227). Hitherto only few objects—and not single structure—have been associated with this powerful empire. We argue that Kök-Tash mausoleum, excavated 2017–2018 originally interpreted as unique subterranean actually first-ever identified elite tomb. This tomb, located Kochkor valley north-eastern Kyrgyzstan, about day's ride capital Balāsāghūn, shares many similarities tombs China, notably typical mesh-wire burial suit. Yet it uses local Asian materials techniques, thereby manifesting how managed to retain cultural identity new environment. Moreover, identifying Kök Tash mausoleum tomb allows us reassess several other unusual region nineteenth twentieth centuries suggest attributing them, too, Khitai.