Historical Photographs of Kucha: Retracing Lost Caves and Related Thoughts

Abstract

Historical photographs of Kucha, mostly those taken by the Turfan German Expedition (1902–1914), can be used to recover information concerning the caves lost over the last century and features that cannot be seen any longer. The analysis of photographic material can help to individuate patterns and trigger thoughts leading to a better understanding of the sites, appreciate lost features, reveal the likely location of caves presently covered by debris, understand how caves were restored in antiquity, and suggest better ways to preserve and use rock monastery sites. Though this article focuses on Kucha, the proposed method can be used at other archaeological sites.

Keywords

• Kucha rock monastery
• archaeology
• historical photographs
• restoration techniques