Endere

Endere is an archaeological site located in the southern Taklamakan Desert of Xinjiang, China, which played a significant role as a military post and a center for Buddhist worship along the ancient Silk Road. Excavations led by Sir Mark Aurel Stein in 1901 revealed the remnants of a fortified settlement indicative of Chinese control dating back to the Han dynasty. Later, the site fell under Tibetan control during the Tang dynasty before being abandoned in the ninth century due to a change in the Endere river's course. Among the discoveries were various buildings devoted to Buddhist worship, including shrines filled with textile rags and Buddhist manuscripts in Chinese, Tibetan, and Sanskrit, underscoring the area's diverse cultural influences. The site's strategic location and historical role offer valuable insights into the region's military and religious history.