Sogdian legend around square hole nny'βy't smyδ'nč, which can be translated as 'Nanaiabiat Samidanian', Samitan being the town's name, Nanaiabiat the ruler / Tamgha each side of square hole. 20mm, 1.52 g. Fedorov pl.24, #1-6. SKU T1684-49296

The identical tamghas are in the form of a semi-circle on a pedestal; small annulet in semi-circle.

The ancient city of Samitan was a settlement located in Central Asia, likely in the region of Sogdiana or near the broader area of Transoxiana (roughly modern-day Uzbekistan and surrounding areas). Although details are scarce, Samitan is mentioned in early Islamic and Chinese sources as a small but significant trading city along the Silk Road. It served as a local center for commerce, facilitating exchanges between Persian, Turkic, Indian, and Chinese merchants. Like many cities of the region, Samitan reflected a rich mix of cultures, languages, and religions. It eventually declined following the Muslim conquest of Central Asia in the 8th century, when many older cities were either absorbed into the new Islamic trade networks or abandoned. Today, the exact location of ancient Samitan remains uncertain, and it is known mainly through fragmentary historical references.