Turfan is an important oasis city along the Silk Road with its long history of over two thousand years. It is also a transfer point through which Buddhism spread to the East. This oasis city was recorded in history books as a place where Mahayana Buddhism flourished. This is the first extensive Japanese report about the ruins of Yarhu Thousand-Buddha Caves, one of Turfan’s historic sites that are closed to the public. In this paper, the mural painting in the caves are introduced, and evidence to support approximate formation ages is provided. Also included are photographs taken on site as well as a floor plan of the cave. Furthermore, I have mentioned in the notes, a short history of Turfan’s rise and fall, and offer proof that the caves are one of the glorious flowers of Buddhist culture.
