Kumtura

The Buddhist caves of Kumtura are cut into cliffs beside the Muzart River, southwest of Kucha. Their chambers preserve paintings and inscriptions from the religious world of the northern Tarim oases. Some murals follow the traditions of Kucha, while others show the influence of painting from China. Texts in Uyghur, Chinese and the old language of Kucha record the worshippers and communities that used these sanctuaries over many centuries.