Ukek was one of the major historical centers of political, economic, and social significance along the Great Silk Road. According to historical sources, it was considered one of the capitals of the Golden Horde khans. At one point, Khan Uzbek stayed in Ukek, strengthened his influence there, and, aiming to assert control over the Great Steppe, moved from this region to the city of Mokhsha. According to historians, until around the year 1321, Khan Uzbek ruled from this very city and minted his own coins there. Today, the modern city of Saratov is situated on the former site of Ukek, which significantly complicates archaeological excavations. Researchers from the "Sarayshyk" museum-reserve confirmed this during their expedition. Currently, research is being conducted jointly with scientists from the Institute of Archaeology of the Republic of Tatarstan and the Saratov Museum. Excavations are being carried out on vacant land plots with the consent of local homeowners. According to archaeologists, the discovered artifacts will be returned to the landowners after analysis and scientific documentation. Afterwards, residents will be free to build their homes as they wish. During the investigations, remains of large residential buildings from the Golden Horde period were discovered, including ceramic kilns, Muslim mausoleums, foundations of houses made from both fired and unfired bricks, and even traces of wooden walls. According to scholars, because Ukek was located on the banks of a large river, it served as an important crossing point in its time. Historical records indicate that the city was destroyed during Timur’s (Tamerlane’s) campaign while pursuing Khan Tokhtamysh. The staff of the "Sarayshyk" museum-reserve presented their scientific works as gifts to scholars from Tatarstan and Saratov.