The Disease Characteristics and Conservation Technique of the Bezeklik Grottoes at Turpan in Xinjiang

Abstract

With the influence of the spread of Indian Buddhism, there are a large quantity of Grottoes with the variation in history, architectural art and functions distributing along the Silk Road in China. Bezeklik Grottoes at Turpan, Xinjiang is an important royal temple with significantly historical, scientific and artistic value along the Silk Road. The grottoes need urgent conservation because of the natural damage and human activities. Based on the field investigation and analysis, the types and characteristics of the main disease developing in the cliff and caves of Bezeklik Grottoes was clarified, furthermore, the genetic analysis of the disease was studied. The diseases of Bezeklik Grottoes are found out, which include carrier diseases, cave diseases and carrier a diseases associated with the cave. In accordance to the principle of diseases development, the appropriate conservation methods were proposed. The conservation engineering was finished with a satisfying effect. The similar grottoes in the same area can use the conservation experience of Bezeklik Grottoes as a successful reference.