Introduction

The Aral Sea is one of the most enigmatic bodies of water in history. Today, it is known for the ecological catastrophe caused by human activity in the 20th century. But few know that long before this, the sea had already experienced periods of drying and recovery. Archaeological discoveries, such as the ancient settlements of Kerdery found on the former seabed, prove that the Aral Sea vanished and returned at least twice. In this article, we reveal fascinating facts about the Aral’s past and explain why its history is crucial for the region’s future.

1. The Aral Sea: A Natural Phenomenon with a Dramatic Fate

The Aral Sea is a closed saltwater basin located between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Just a few decades ago, it was the fourth-largest lake in the world, but due to massive water diversion from its feeding rivers (the Amu Darya and Syr Darya), its area has shrunk by more than 90%.

However, scientists have discovered that this was not the first time in the Aral’s history. Studies of sediment layers and archaeological excavations show that the sea experienced catastrophic drying and subsequent recovery long before human intervention.

2. Ancient Cities on the Seabed: Evidence of Past Dryings

In the 1980s, archaeologists discovered the remains of ancient settlements, including the Kerdery ruins, on the dried-up seabed of the Aral Sea. These findings were groundbreaking, proving that this area was once dry land where people lived.

🔍 What Is Kerdery?

• Age: Approximately 10th–14th centuries (Golden Horde and Kipchak Khanate era).

• Location: Southern part of the Aral Sea, modern-day Uzbekistan.

• Discoveries: Pottery, coins, and structural remains.

Conclusion: If cities existed here, the sea must have receded, exposing the seabed for decades or even centuries.

3. Scientific Evidence: The Aral Sea Dried Up Twice Before the 20th Century

Geologists and climatologists studying sediment layers have identified two major drying periods before the Soviet era:

🔄 First Drying (4th–1st Century BCE)

• Causes: Climate change, reduced flow of the Amu Darya.

• Consequences: The sea shrank by 50%, leaving salt flats in its place.

• Recovery: By the beginning of the Common Era, water levels rose again.

🔄 Second Drying (10th–14th Century CE)

• Causes: Natural cycles + possible river diversion (e.g., the Amu Darya temporarily flowed into the Caspian Sea).

• Consequences: Shallowing, emergence of settlements (Kerdery).

• Recovery: By the 16th century, the sea returned.

Fun Fact: Medieval Arab chronicles mention that the Aral Sea “disappeared” and then “returned.”

4. Why Did the Aral Disappear Again in the 20th Century?

While previous dryings were natural, the Soviet era’s primary cause was cotton field irrigation.

• 1960s: Massive water diversion from the Amu Darya and Syr Darya.

• 1980s: The sea split into two parts—the Northern (Small) and Southern (Large) Aral Sea.

• 2000s: The Southern Aral almost completely dried up.

But there’s good news: Thanks to the Kokaral Dam (Kazakhstan), the Small Aral Sea is gradually recovering!

5. Lessons from History: What Does the Future Hold?

The Aral’s history shows it can regenerate, but only if the natural balance is respected. Current restoration projects include:

• Planting saxaul trees to combat salt storms.

• Sustainable water use in agriculture.

• Ecotourism development around remaining water bodies.

Conclusion

The Aral Sea is not just a disappearing lake but a living symbol of nature’s resilience and human impact. Its past proves that even after catastrophe, recovery is possible.

Want to explore ancient civilizations and modern ecological wonders? Visit the Aral Sea with visitaralsea.kz—we’ll show you its incredible story!