Since 2019, the Turkic Academy and the Institute of Archaeology of the Mongolian Academy of Sciences have been conducting excavations in the Nomgon Valley, Arkhangai region, Mongolia. These efforts have led to groundbreaking discoveries about the Second Turkic Khaganate.

In 2022, the upper part of a stele with inscriptions in ancient Turkic and Sogdian was uncovered, providing critical evidence of its connection to Turkic heritage. The inscription mentioned “Qutlug Khagan” and “Tengri,” identifying the site as a memorial complex.

Further excavations in 2023 revealed the lower section of the monument, partially inscribed with Chinese characters. Experts from Inner Mongolia University deciphered fragments, notably identifying the terms “Turk” and “Qutlug.” Based on the inscriptions and historical context, the monument has been dated to the reign of Elterish Qutlug Khagan (682–692), the founder of the Second Turkic Khaganate.

In 2024, the monument was presented in Ulaanbaatar, with researchers emphasizing its historical significance. This discovery not only enriches Turkic history but also highlights the collaborative efforts of the Turkic Academy and Mongolian archaeologists in uncovering the region’s ancient heritage.