We drove perhaps an hour from Bishkek to the Burana Tower, in the Chuy Valley. This was the site of the ancient medieval city of Balasagun, established at the end of the 9th century. As if all the warring marauders didn’t do enough damage to central Asia, they also have had some large earthquakes, which is what ruined this area. All that’s left is part of the tower, some grave markers, some earthworks, and remnants of a castle and three mausoleums. They also have a small museum that has artifacts found here.

The Burana Tower (minaret) has a history, at least in stories, but it used to be 148 feet tall. It got knocked about in half by a 15th century earthquake. The Russians did some renovation of it in the 1970’s and it stands at 82 feet tall today. This was typical of many of the central Asia historic sites. Either marauders, like Genghis Khan, or earthquakes destroyed most of what was really great about this area in ancient times in terms of buildings and structures.

Today, most of this site is just empty land as you can see in the first photo. Vicky and Patty are standing much closer to the tower in the second photo. The metal stairs and railings were added by the Russians in the 1970’s renovations.

Balbals were there in abundance as you can see in the last three photos. Balbals are Turkish gravestones from when the Turks roamed central Asia centuries ago. The oldest of the balbals are estimated to be from the 6th century.

Vicky liked the balbal in the last photo. My guess is because the guy was bald and had a mustache, and who could complain about that.