Did a treasure emerge from Karakalpakstan?

Reports have spread on social media claiming that a treasure was discovered in the “Akchakul” tourist and recreation area located in the Ellikkala district of the Republic of Karakalpakstan. The Cultural Heritage Agency has issued an official clarification regarding the matter.

According to the agency, following these reports, representatives of its Karakalpakstan regional office carried out an on-site inspection in accordance with the established procedure.

The investigation revealed that no archaeological artifacts or treasures of cultural value were found along the shore. The coins shown in the circulating videos were identified as modern Uzbek currency currently in circulation — 200, 500, and 1000-soum coins issued in 2018 and 2022. An official report was drawn up in the presence of representatives from the Karakalpakstan Cultural Heritage Department and the Ellikkala District Administration. The inspection confirmed that the information presented in the video appeal did not correspond to reality.

“The Cultural Heritage Agency calls on citizens not to spread unverified information, to rely only on official sources, and to treat cultural heritage sites with responsibility,” the statement said.

It is worth noting that earlier, during archaeological excavations in the Tuda Cave located in the Boysun Mountains of the Surkhandarya region, ancient tools and remains of wild cereal plants were discovered.