A new historical site dating back to the early Middle Ages was discovered during archaeological excavations in the Balkan velayat.

The object, located near the Gozli Ata mausoleum, was identified as part of an ancient Oghuz complex, according to the newspaper “Turkmenistan”.

In the center of the complex stands a stepped stone tombstone with a bas-relief depicting the outline of a head. It measures 129 cm long, 27 cm wide, and 44 cm high. Experts believe the tombstone belongs to a spiritual teacher from the early Islamic period in the region.

A stone slab with two holes for fastening was discovered near the tombstone. The wing-shaped pattern carved into the stone is considered a traditional Sufi symbol. Similar designs are widely used in carpet weaving in western Turkmenistan.

Excavations near the Gozli Ata mausoleum were organized based on information from a resident of the village of Akguy in the Turkmenbashy etrap, teacher Oreklych Amanov.