New Delhi: A remarkable archaeological discovery in Kyrgyzstan has revived global curiosity about one of history’s most enduring mysteries — the legend of Atlantis. A submerged city, believed to have been destroyed by a massive 15th-century earthquake, has been found beneath the waters of Issyk-Kul Lake, the world’s eighth-deepest lake.
A City Lost to a Devastating Earthquake
A team of archaeologists from the Russian Academy of Sciences announced that detailed underwater surveys at Issyk-Kul have revealed the remains of a large, well-planned medieval settlement. According to researchers, the city sank following a powerful earthquake that reshaped the region centuries ago.
Excavations along the shoreline and underwater mapping have uncovered a network of commercial buildings, public structures and residential areas—evidence that the settlement once thrived as a prosperous trading hub in Central Asia.
Fortified Structures and Surviving Mills
The submerged ruins feature stone and brick buildings reinforced with wooden beams, pointing to advanced construction techniques for the era. Archaeologists have also identified grain-grinding mills, suggesting the city had a flourishing local economy and possibly served as a regional marketplace before its destruction.
Clues from a Vast Cemetery
One of the most striking findings is a sprawling cemetery discovered within the site. Dozens of burials follow traditional Islamic customs, with bodies placed on their sides, heads turned toward the north and faces directed toward the Qibla. Researchers believe the graves belong to families who lived in the city shortly before disaster struck.
A large public building—likely a mosque, madrasa, bathhouse or community structure—has also been detected, further indicating the city’s rich cultural and social life.
Residents Escaped Before the Flooding
Although the settlement ultimately vanished beneath the lake, archaeologists say most inhabitants managed to flee before water engulfed the area. Historical accounts suggest that nomadic communities later returned, settling around the lake’s periphery and forming new villages that survive even today.
Atlantis Debate Reignites
The discovery has reignited comparisons with the mythical Atlantis described by ancient Greek philosopher Plato — an advanced island civilisation that vanished suddenly. While scholars maintain that Plato’s Atlantis was likely allegorical, the find at Issyk-Kul demonstrates that entire cities have indeed been lost to natural disasters and remain preserved underwater for centuries.
As excavations continue, researchers hope the site will offer deeper insights into medieval life in Central Asia and bring clarity to one of the region’s most dramatic geological events.
