Sarazm is a unique site of the ancient history of Tajikistan, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, located in the Penjikent district of the Sughd region, 15 km west of Penjikent and only 5 km from the Tajik-Uzbek border (Jartepa checkpoint)
Sarazm is the oldest settlement (proto-city) of the sedentary peoples of Central Asia, who lived here from the fourth millennium to the end of the third millennium BC (historical eras: the end of the Eneneolithic - the beginning of the Bronze Age). In terms of its historical significance, it has no analogues not only in Central Asia and is the same age as the oldest civilizations of Egypt, Mesopotamia, Indus, and China.
Like many ancient monuments, Sarazm was discovered by chance thanks to the finds of ancient artifacts during agricultural work. Local residents often found clay shards, stone and bronze objects here. Thanks to one inquisitive and caring person who found a bronze ax here and told archaeologists about the find, excavations began here in 1976, leading to sensational discoveries.
Well-preserved palace and religious buildings, burials, granaries, workshops, public and residential buildings were discovered. At the excavation site, metal and stone products, fragments of pottery and molded ceramics with painting, jewelry made from precious stones and processed sea shells, grain grinders and other items dating back to the Neolithic and Bronze Ages were found.
The finds of Sarazm indicate the beginning of the development of agriculture, mining and metal processing in the Bronze Age and the development of crafts, trade, cultural exchange and connections between Sarazm and other world civilizations.
Since 2001 Sarazm is a Historical and Archaeological Reserve. The main excavation sites are covered with permanent roofs, a museum building was built in which the main significant finds are stored: bone, stone, copper, bronze tools and dishes, ceramics, jewelry made of carnelian, lapis lazuli, turquoise, bronze knives and daggers, axes.
The highlight of the museum is a separate exhibition hall of the burial of the so-called “Princess of Sarazm” with jewelry made of precious stones, beads made of gold, lapis lazuli and white marble, and bracelets made of sea shells. Surprisingly, the 36-year-old “princess” was almost two meters tall.
