During an expedition in Mongolia’s Tuul Valley, a team of archaeologists from Turkey and Mongolia unearthed evidence that establishes the true location of the legendary ancient city of Togu Balik. Lost for centuries, this important urban center was built by Turkic clans known as the “Nine Oghuz,” who were the forerunners of the Muslim people known as the Uyghurs. The discovery of Togu Balik will have profound implications for the understanding of ancient Turkic civilizations in the region, the Turkish and Mongolian archaeologists say. The excavation project’s lead archaeologist, Professor Saban Dogan said, according to a press release by Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA): “Togu Balık, mentioned in historical sources but whose exact location was previously unknown, is much older than the known Uyghur cities. The unearthing and excavation of this city will push back our findings on the settled life of the Uyghurs by at least 100 years.” Monumental Mongolian Burial Discovered Includes 14 Giant Inscribed Pillars The Khazars: A Forgotten Medieval Empire that Ruled the Northern Caucasus Read moreSection: NewsHistory & ArchaeologyAsiaAncient PlacesRead Later