Formation of Uyghur Settlements in the Territory of Contemporary Tuva in the Early 18 - Mid 19 Centuries
This article analyzes the Uyghur settlements in the territory of contemporary Tuva and northern Mongolia. The main stages of formation and development of a network of settled communities - reinforced Uyghur settlements were determined. The features of their architectural and planning solutions were studied. Establishment of the statehood in Central Asia in the early Middle Ages is connected to the formation of the Turkic Khaganate (6-8 centuries), the traditions of which were inherited and developed by the Uyghur Khaganate formed in 745-840. In the period of the Uyghur Khaganate clearly-defined administrative-territorial divisions appear which leads to a rise in urban planning. At the beginning of the 7th century the construction of fortified towns begins, a linear network of permanent settlements develops in the north-western part of the Uyghur Khaganate. The separate administrative centers stand out in the system of towns. Originally, such an administrative center was the city of Ordu-Baliq that later evolved into the capital of the Uygur Khaganate. With the increase of economic and military power the Khaganate start to expand its borders through new territories. New administrative centers of the Khaganate appear: Por-Bazhyng, Shagonar settlements, etc. The Uyghur towns that developed as a linear network of defensive settlements turn into administrative and military centers playing a significant role in urban development throughout the Khaganate.