Karakul (Tajikistan) - Karakul in History

Karakul in History

The lake Karakul is mentioned in the Bilge Kagan inscription in the Orkhon written monuments, as a place of a battle between the Turgesh tribe of Ases and the Second Turkic Kaganate led by Kul Tegin that took place in 715 CE. The battle ended up with a capture of Elteber of Ases and a defeat for the As forces. The Kara-Kul lake is located within the historical territory of the Turgesh Kaganate.

Whether or not this "Lake Karakul" (meaning, dark-watered/deep water lake) is the same one mentioned in the Orkhon inscription, is a matter or debate. Most likely, it is not the same. The "Karakul" of the Orkhon is most likely one of the many deep water lakes in eastern Tien Shan Mountains, (such as the Sari Chelek, the Kulsai and others) that are much closer to Orkhon River in Mongolia where the inscription was found originally.