Along the ancient Silk Road routes in what is now western Tajikistan stood Panjakent, a once-thriving Sogdian city whose temples and homes were adorned with vibrant murals. These masterpieces, painted between the 6th and early 8th century CE, offer a window into a world where traders and storytellers wove together art, myth and faith.
Step into these frescoes and you'll find Chinese aesthetics in graceful robes, Indian Panchatantra fables alive with animal tales, and echoes of Aesop's Fables that hint at Roman and Hellenistic influence. Each brushstroke speaks of merchants carrying silks, spices and ideas across mountains and deserts.
Today, AI brings one ancient scene back to life in bright color and detail. As your eyes trace the lines, you might spot a figure whose slender eyes and serene expression recall the refined grace of the Tang Dynasty. It's a powerful glimpse of how art can transcend time.
In every hue and motif, the Panjakent murals remind us that cultural exchange shaped civilizations long before the digital age. For young global citizens and curious travelers alike, these walls tell a story of connection that still inspires us today.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
