Abstract
The article highlights that Ayteke Bi was born and died in Nurata city, Navoi region of Uzbekistan, though his exact life dates are unknown. His burial site in the central cemetery of Nurata has remained renowned thanks to popular memory. For a long time, no lifetime portrait of him existed, but one was discovered only a few years ago.
The study examines the skeletal remains of Ayteke Bi, retrieved from his burial site, and presents a sculptural anthropological reconstruction of his skull. This reconstruction is compared with a lifetime portrait painted by Spanish artist Juan Haris at the end of the 17th century.
The research utilized archaeological excavation, archival study, and anthropological methods, including M.M. Gerasimov's sculptural reconstruction technique. It confirmed the location of Ayteke Bi’s burial and provided an accurate representation of his appearance.
The findings suggest that the skeletal remains belong to Ayteke Bi, and the reconstructed image aligns closely with the historical portrait. Future depictions of Ayteke Bi should be based on these verified reconstructions and his lifetime portrait.
This study offers valuable insights into Ayteke Bi’s historical identity, combining anthropology and historical analysis.
01 Introduction
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