[Explanation] The Bahatar site is located in Atok, near the Pakistani capital Islamabad.
In November 2018, a joint archaeological team composed of Nanjing University, Hebei Normal University, and the Hubei Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology initiated the archaeological excavation of the site. This is the first independent archaeological excavation conducted by a Chinese archaeologist in Pakistan.
Recently, the reporter made an appointment with Tang Huisheng, a professor in the Department of Archaeology, School of History and Culture, Hebei Normal University, the leader of this joint archaeological team.
[Explanation] According to Tang Huisheng, this archaeological excavation aimed to explore the source of the Harappa culture in the Indus River Basin and its early cultural exchanges with China’s Xinjiang and Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.
[Concurrent] Tang Huisheng, Professor of the Department of Archaeology, School of History and Culture, Hebei Normal University: When I was working at the Qinghai Institute of Archaeology, I discovered that there are many (cultural elements) in the prehistoric culture of Qinghai that come from the Yangshao culture of the Central Plains, but there are also many ( We don’t know cultural elements. After the reform and opening up, (I) learned that these (cultural elements) came from the Indian subcontinent (Halapa culture), such as our sea shells, and our Fayence (beads), These are from the southern foot of the Himalayas (mountains).
[Explanation] Tang Huisheng said that after more than two years of hard work by archaeologists, many relics and relics related to the Chinese Majiayao culture have been unearthed at the site, which confirms that the Indus Valley civilization and ancient Chinese civilization had exchanges in prehistoric times interactive.
[Concurrent] Tang Huisheng, Professor of the Department of Archaeology, School of History and Culture, Hebei Normal University: For example, some Fayences (beads) and some seashells. The earliest seashells in China were discovered in the Majiayao culture, and these seashells are From the Indian Ocean, it proves that we had frequent cultural exchanges and cultural interactions in the southern and northern slopes of the Himalayas (mountains) in prehistoric times.
[Explanation] According to Tang Huisheng, their archaeological work site has been welcomed by the local people and supported by the archaeological department.
The greatest danger faced by the team members in the local area is a terrorist attack. The archaeological team needs to be protected by armed security personnel while working. In response to this situation, the archaeological team has also received corresponding safety training.
[Concurrent] Tang Huisheng, professor of the Department of Archaeology, College of History and Culture, Hebei Normal University: At the excavation site, we have 12 people (patrolling), (equivalent to) an intensive class, all with guns and live ammunition. We provide security work for us when we excavate .
The (local) police also called from time to time, telling us that it is best not to go to work today and stay at home because there is a police situation or a panic, terrorist attacks, etc.
[Explanation] Tang Huisheng introduced that the archaeological work lasted for three years. Starting in 2018, he and his archaeological team will travel from China to the Bahatar site in Pakistan every November for more than three months of archaeological excavations.
Due to the impact of the new crown epidemic, Tang Huisheng and his archaeological team failed to make the trip as scheduled this year. Many friends around him were worried about his safety and persuaded him to abandon this project. Tang Huisheng said that even if it is difficult, he will not give up. He is ready. , Will return to the archaeological excavation site at the end of this month.
[Concurrent] Tang Huisheng, professor of the Department of Archaeology, Hebei Normal University: Because of fear, we gave up and stopped digging. What do people think?
People say you want to be a hero?
I said I don't want to be a hero, I just don't want to be a bear.
[Explanation] In recent years, more and more Chinese archaeologists have gone abroad to conduct archaeological excavations overseas.
Tang Huisheng believes that this is because of China's increased national strength and the improvement of research capabilities and research levels. At the same time, because of the "Belt and Road" initiative, Chinese archaeologists have more opportunities for overseas archaeology.
Chen Shiyu reports from Shijiazhuang, Hebei.
Editor in charge: [Ji Xiang]