2024/05/23 by Karimova, G.
paper · doi:10.34920/2181-8592-36-004
The research managed to reveal a change in cultic and religious practices within the Temple in Takhti Sangin at different stages of history. It established that the earliest sacred Neolithic complex discovered under the temple reflects fire worshipping and animal sacrifice. The second stage is represented by a temple consisting of the main body and two avant-corps wings protruding beyond the lines of the facade and side walls, with Iranian-type fire altars found in rooms 7 and 5. Among practices performed there were fire worship rituals and animal sacrifices. This structure is identified as the Ashvins Temple. In the Temple, on the former Ashvins worshipping site the with two altars, researchers recorded a replacement and at simultaneous combination with the Greek Dioscuri cult. This third stage is characterised by the appearance of the Dioscuri Temple with two statues, while the existing altars in the Greek style are faced with stone. The research attempts to show symbols and objects related to the Dioscuri cult on the basis of the finds (weapons, coins, sculpture,an ichthyocentauress’s bouterolle and other). The next stage is related to the Kushan period, when much of the interior collapsed and was reconstructed, including the creation of altars with a drain and a hole for libations using parts from earlier structures. All the three altarpieces reflect the inclination towards rituals with the practice of libation. Further research into the Kushan layers in Takhti Sangin, which have been studied very poorly so far, will help specify the cultic worship.