Hulbuk Palace and Citadel
Hulbuk Palace and Citadel is a major 9th–11th century medieval archaeological complex located in the town of Hulbuk (formerly Vose) in southern Tajikistan's Khatlon Region. Serving as the royal residence of the Banijurid and Ghaznavid governors of the medieval Khuttal principality, Hulbuk was a glittering Silk Road metropolis known for its advanced palace architecture, intricate carved alabaster stucco, heating systems, and royal armories. The palace was destroyed during Mongol invasions in the 13th century and lay buried under silt for seven centuries. Local legend and museum staff report persistent supernatural phenomena throughout the excavated palace corridors, including apparitions of medieval royal guards, disembodied whispers in subterranean sewage canals, and phantom music played on ancient Silk Road instruments.