Publications
Cultural Tourism and the Song Heritage of SaryArka
Saryarka’s steppe and lakes region, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, harbors a unique musical landscape where natural morphology, acoustic environments, and oral-professional song traditions intersect to form a cohesive cultural system. This study reveals that the classical Arka sal and seri songs of the 19th and early 20th centuries—such as Birzhan sal, Aqan seri, and Ukili Ybyray—serve as bearers of an artistic model that integrates sound, space, and collective memory, offering a strategic resource for sustainable cultural tourism. By synthesizing ethnomusicology, cultural geography, soundscape theory, and intangible heritage frameworks, the research identifies strong correlations between landscape characteristics, vocal-performative practices, and the symbolic-semiotic structure of song texts. These findings underscore the potential of Saryarka’s musical heritage to foster contemporary cultural tourism while preserving its intangible legacy.
History of Studies and Main Results of Research on Medieval Burial Sites in Northeast Saryarka
Research on medieval burial sites in Northeast Saryarka reveals distinct chronological groups characterized by diverse ritual practices, wooden structures, and funeral feast elements. The study identifies three key periods: the Kimak period (8th–10th centuries), 11th–13th century sites, and Late Medieval sites (14th–15th centuries) linked to monumental architecture development. By systematizing scattered field materials and publications, the research clarifies burial traditions and highlights gaps in modern archaeological data, offering new directions for future studies in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Archaeological Investigations of the Akkain-2 Site in the Kalmakkyrgan Mountain Range (Northeastern Kazakhstan)
Recent archaeological investigations at the Akkain-2 site, located in the Kalmakkyrgan mountain range within the UNESCO World Heritage Site Saryarka, revealed a multilayered settlement spanning from the Eneolithic period to modern times. The study, conducted by an international team from the Joint Archaeological Research Center and Altai State University, uncovered diverse artifacts including animal bones, ceramics, stone tools, non-ferrous metals, and iron products, providing valuable insights into the long-term human occupation of the region. Small exploratory excavations were conducted at three sites in the Akkain tract and a memorial fence in the Taskora tract, contributing to a broader understanding of the cultural heritage of northeastern Kazakhstan.
Geographical Names of Objects of the Saryarka Nature Reserve Fund
Geographical names of objects within the Saryarka Nature Reserve Fund significantly influence tourism development by reflecting natural, historical, and cultural features. A comparative analysis revealed that these toponyms shape visitor perception more effectively than those in other regions of Kazakhstan or neighboring countries. The study compiled a map of toponyms to illustrate recreational resources, using geological, natural-geographical, historical, and linguistic data. Etymological investigations uncovered how names preserve regional identity while enhancing ecological tourism potential.
Late Saka Period Burial Mound from Eastern Saryarka
A burial mound from the Late Saka period (4th–3rd centuries BC) in Eastern Saryarka, Kazakhstan, provides new insights into cultural differentiation within the Saka world. Radiocarbon dating and artifact analysis confirmed its affiliation with the Saka-Wusun culture, revealing a handmade ceramic vessel and a stone altar with traces of organic substances, ochre, and fire exposure, suggesting its use in funerary rituals. Comparative analysis with neighboring regions highlights the complexity of ethno-cultural interactions during this period, deepening our understanding of Central and Eastern Kazakhstan's Early Iron Age chronology and cultural relationships.
Some Issues of Legal Protection of Objects of Historical and Cultural Heritage in the Republic of Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan's legal framework for protecting historical and cultural heritage, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi and the Saryarka steppe, is grounded in a system that recognizes such objects as both real estate and valuable artifacts tied to land. The study identifies three key aspects: their intrinsic link to land, their historical development, and their multifaceted cultural significance spanning archaeology, architecture, and ethnology. Through a large-scale inventory of 11,277 local monuments, the country has established comprehensive legal norms for rational use and protection, reflecting its commitment to preserving heritage as a state priority.
Stone Sculptures of Jetisu and Saryarka: Spatial Patterns, Iconography and the Concept of GIS-register
A systematic digital inventory of Turkic-period stone sculptures in Jetisu and Saryarka, Kazakhstan, reveals striking spatial patterns: most sculptures are concentrated at the foot of mountains and river valleys, with nearly all figures oriented eastward. This study proposes a GIS-based methodological model for a unified digital registry, incorporating geographic coordinates, typology, dimensions, iconography, archaeological context, and preservation status. The structured data scheme enables standardized documentation, facilitating cartographic visualizations and comparative analyses. The research contributes to the preservation of cultural heritage, supports interdisciplinary studies, and provides insights into the sacred geography and social-religious practices of ancient Turkic communities.
The Stone-cutting Tradition of Saryarka and the Cultural Continuity of Stone Sculptures
A detailed analysis of Early Iron Age stone sculptures from the Saryarka region reveals a continuous artistic tradition spanning from the Late Bronze Age to the Kipchak period. Radiocarbon and typological studies date these sculptures, characterized by simplicity and symbolic precision—such as the 'topknot' (aidar)—to the 8th–5th centuries BCE. Two main groups were identified: those linked to funerary monuments and those used in rituals, highlighting their multifaceted cultural significance. This research underscores stone carving as an indigenous cultural trend within the Tasmola horizon, reflecting early societal structures, religious beliefs, and artistic ideals.
Hydrographic Names and Terms of Saryarka
A comprehensive analysis of hydronyms in Saryarka, Kazakhstan, reveals over 3,000 water body names rooted in plant and animal nomenclature, human identities, tribes, and descendants. These hydronyms provide critical insights into natural conditions, landscape features, and anthropogenic activities, including properties like color, flow, depth, and economic significance. The study classified potamonyms based on their etymology and physical-geographical attributes, compiling a detailed map of microhydronyms. By examining historical and cultural influences, researchers uncovered the origins and roles of these names in shaping Saryarka's hydrological identity.
Research of Cult Monuments of Saryarka in the Era of Ulus Jochi
Research on cult monuments in Saryarka reveals significant archaeological insights into the Golden Horde era, particularly focusing on mausoleums and settlements along key caravan routes. The study identifies a dense network of these structures, spaced 5 to 20 km apart, indicating the presence of medieval towns and settlements, notably along the Sarysu tract. The research spans three phases: pre-revolutionary descriptions by travelers, mid-20th century surveys led by A.Kh. Margulan, and modern archaeological expeditions involving multiple institutions. These findings highlight the region's historical significance during the early spread of Islam and provide a comprehensive overview of its memorial architecture.
Saryarka in the system of economic and ethnocultural relations of the early nomads of the southern Trans–Urals
Research reveals that the Saryarka region, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan,' played a significant role in the economic and ethnocultural relations of early nomads during the Saka and Sauromatian–Sarmatian periods (8th century BC to 2nd century AD). The study identifies two distinct phases of interaction between the Southern Trans-Urals and Saryarka, driven primarily by the demand for copper and tin. During the Early Saka period, connections were intense, as evidenced by similarities in material culture and metal composition, while during the Sauromatian–Sarmatian period, these ties weakened due to shifting ethno-political dynamics. The study also traces the evolution of supply routes for tin, transitioning from Altai sources to include Central Asian ones. This research sheds light on the complex interdependencies between nomadic societies in Central Eurasia and their adaptation to changing economic landscapes.
Technology of manufacturing copper and bronze tools of the Petrovka Culture of the Southern Trans-Urals and Middle Tobol region
A metallographic analysis of Petrovka Culture tools from the southern Trans-Urals and Middle Tobol region reveals a sophisticated correlation between tool function, raw material, and manufacturing techniques. Tools were primarily crafted from copper contaminated with impurities, sourced from oxide-carbonate ores, while bronze alloys, including tin and tin-arsenic bronzes, were used for more advanced implements like adzes, chisels, and spearheads. Casting defects such as shrinkage cracks were common in copper tools but absent in high-quality bronze castings, which exhibited superior fluidity and surface smoothness. Optimal heat treatment regimes, particularly at 600–800°C or 900–1000°C, significantly enhanced the hardness of forged tools, surpassing that of processed copper by 1.5–2 times. This suggests a technological progression within the Petrovka Culture, possibly influenced by related tribes in the Petropavlovsk Ishim region.
The History of the Study of the Saryarka Toposystem
A comprehensive analysis of the toponymic systems in Saryarka—Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan reveals how geographical names have evolved over centuries, reflecting significant historical events such as the reign of Genghis Khan, the Golden Horde era, and tsarist Russia. The study highlights common toponyms derived from plants, animals, people, tribes, and genera, providing a detailed examination of their origins and cultural significance. Researchers compiled a map of genonyms and ethnonyms based on empirical data, underscoring the need for further in-depth study of these toponymic systems. This work bridges historical events with linguistic and geographical patterns, offering new insights into the region's complex toponymic heritage.
Das Konzept „Raum der Lebenden für die Toten“ vom Äneolithikum bis zur Nomadenzeit. Siedlungsmaterialien im östlichen Saryarka- und dem Irtyšgebiet
Research in the Saryarka Steppe and Irtysh River regions of northern Kazakhstan reveals a significant ancient burial tradition where individuals were interred within settlement areas, dating back to the Chalcolithic period. This practice, termed 'the land of no return,' mirrors themes found in ancient Sumerian poetry and suggests a deep cultural significance tied to ancestor worship, spiritual connections with the deceased, and landscape choice for burials. The study analyzed inhumation graves from settlements such as Botai, Shiterdy 3, and Ust-Narym, highlighting factors like death circumstances, seasonal timing, and the impossibility of separate burial that influenced this tradition's establishment.
History research of the settled culture of Saryarka in the XIII-XIV (XV) centuries
Research on the medieval settled culture of Saryarka, particularly during the 13th to 15th centuries, reveals a significant evolution in urban planning and architectural practices. The study identifies three distinct periods in the exploration of this culture: the mid-20th century expeditions led by A.Kh. Margulan, which focused on the nomadic region of Dasht-i Kypchak; subsequent studies by Zh.E. Smailov's team; and modern large-scale excavations that have uncovered numerous brick mausoleums adorned with glazed tiles and majolica featuring intricate floral and geometric designs. Architectural analysis dates these structures to the 14th-15th centuries, indicating a flourishing urban culture in Kazakhstan during this period. This research highlights the advanced architectural techniques and cultural development of the Golden Horde era.
Investigation of the burial mounds of early nomads of the Irtysh river region of Semey
Archaeological investigations of burial mounds in the Semeytau and Kokentau mountain ranges, part of the UNESCO-listed Saryarka Steppe and Lakes, reveal significant parallels with early nomadic cultures dating back to the 5th–3rd centuries BC. The study, conducted between 2014 and 2018, uncovered 13 burial mounds across six sites, yielding artifacts such as iron rods, ram vertebrae, semiprecious stone necklaces, and bone/bronze arrowheads. These findings align with the Kulazhorga-type monuments of the Upper Irtysh region and early Wusun archaeological culture, particularly in design and burial practices. Radiocarbon dating confirms the mounds' age, emphasizing their cultural significance within the broader Saryarka landscape.
Mineralogical and Geochemical Features of the Final Bronze Age Copper Slag in the Saryarka Metallurgical Center (Central Kazakhstan)
A study of copper metallurgical slags from Final Bronze Age settlements in Central Kazakhstan reveals that oxidized ore concentrates were predominantly used for smelting, with manganese minerals serving as fluxes. Radiocarbon dating places the Saurambay and Kamal settlements at 3170 ± 20 BP and 2890 ± 20 BP, respectively, confirming their Final Bronze Age metallurgical activity. The research also identifies sporadic production of Sn−As and As−Sb bronzes alongside copper, with iron and manganese as common admixtures. Geochemical analysis of slag and ore fragments highlights the active use of manganese minerals in the smelting process, providing insights into ancient metallurgical techniques.
The history of the study of the Turkic monuments of Saryarka
Research on the Early Medieval period of Saryarka remains significantly understudied due to limited archaeological data and scarce written records spanning a millennium. The Turkic Khaganate's expansion in the 6th century marked the beginning of this era, yet systematic study has only recently gained momentum, primarily through expeditions like the Central Kazakhstan Archaeological Expedition, Saryarka archaeological expedition, and Karaganda University. While there is a positive trend in studying funerary and memorial monuments, accumulated data remains insufficient for comprehensive analysis, suggesting that primary data collection may continue for over a decade without substantial progress.
Collection of Finds of the Settlement of Bozok II in the Northern Saryarka
A comprehensive collection of archaeological finds from the Bozok II settlement, located in Northern Saryarka, reveals significant insights into the cultural and historical dynamics of the region during the Bronze Age. The study, involving a multidisciplinary team of scholars from Kazakhstan, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, China, the U.S., Poland, Lithuania, Uzbekistan, and the UK, highlights the importance of Bozok II as a key settlement in the Saryarka landscape. The research approach integrated extensive fieldwork, artifact analysis, and historical documentation, providing a detailed account of material culture, social organization, and environmental interactions. This collection contributes to understanding the complex history and cultural heritage of Northern Kazakhstan, offering valuable data for UNESCO World Heritage Site management and preservation efforts.
Natural conditions of the Karaganda region
A new engineering-geological and ecological-geological map for the Karaganda region, part of the UNESCO-listed Saryarka Steppe and Lakes, has been developed to assess and typify geo-risks associated with long-term coal mining. The study identifies critical factors influencing vulnerability, including geological structures like the Karaganda synclinorium, which hosts a major coal basin. It introduces methodological criteria for monitoring hazards such as those from open-cut and underground mines, aiming to minimize their negative impacts. By analyzing coal-bearing formations, grades, and mining areas, the research provides data to certify geo-risks observed in 2020, offering a foundation for risk mitigation strategies.
New Approaches to the Study of Elite Burial Grounds of the Saka Era of Saryarka
Research on elite burial grounds of the Saka era within the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Saryarka, reveals that burial mounds are not merely architectural structures but also complex ritual symbols. A study conducted by the K.A. Akishev Research Institute of Archaeology in 2021 focused on two mounds near the Ishim River, uncovering new details about their spatial arrangement and symbolic significance. The research employed pre-excavation methods to analyze the layout and structures, providing insights into the multifaceted nature of these burial grounds as a multi-component ensemble that evolved over time.
The Origin of Horse Breeding and its Role in History (based on the materials of Saryarka)
Research suggests that horse domestication likely occurred simultaneously across the steppe regions of South-Eastern Europe, the Volga region, and Kazakhstan, particularly along ancient meridian migration routes. The Central Route (r.Sarisu), traversing Saryarka’s steppes in Northern Kazakhstan, emerges as a pivotal corridor for this process, supported by mythological narratives tied to its junction stations. Saryarka is proposed as the epicenter of Eurasian steppe culture, serving as a political and cult hub—an 'atazhurt' or ancestral homeland—for nomadic societies. The study highlights how this region’s vast landscapes fostered complex nomadism dynamics, influencing historical trajectories and world harmony perceptions among steppe communities.
The stage of gathering of information about stone sculptures of Central Kazakhstan
Research reveals that the early stages of documenting stone sculptures in Saryarka, particularly during the late 19th to mid-20th centuries, were characterized by episodic and non-methodical data collection. This period coincided with the formative years of archaeology as a discipline, leading to a fragmented approach to studying these monuments. The study analyzes the historical context and limitations of this phase, highlighting how the lack of systematic methods hindered comprehensive documentation.
Ancient Stone Sculptures of Saryarka (history of the study)
A comprehensive analysis of ancient stone sculptures in Saryarka, Northern Kazakhstan, reveals significant gaps and challenges in the study of Late Bronze Age menhirs and zoomorphic steles. The research, led by A. D. Kasenova and M. K. Suyundikov, builds on the foundational work of A. H. Margulan, who documented numerous such monuments. However, current fieldwork under Zh. Kurmankulov and A. Z. Beisenov indicates a marked decline in these artifacts compared to historical records, highlighting urgent preservation concerns. The study underscores the need for systematic documentation and theoretical analysis to address the understudied nature of these Late Bronze Age monuments, which are critical to understanding the region's cultural heritage.
Characteristics of the natural conditions of the Karaganda region
The Karaganda region, located in the elevated central part of Kazakhstan's Saryarka steppe and lakes, exhibits complex geomorphological features including shallow hummocks, river valleys, dry watercourses, and closed basins. This region is characterized by its diverse natural conditions, with a total forest area of 269.6 thousand hectares. The study highlights the vulnerability of this area to wildfires during summer months due to high temperatures, lack of rainfall, and extensive steppe zones. Additionally, the Karaganda region is identified as a significant industrial center, with industries such as mining, metallurgy, and chemical processing contributing substantially to its economy, accounting for 80.1% of industrial production.
Coin Finds in 14th-Century Burials in Saryarka (Central Kazakhstan)
A numismatic analysis of 14th-century burials in Saryarka, Kazakhstan, reveals distinct coinage patterns that may indicate different plague dynamics compared to the Volga region. Excavations at Janibek’s mausoleum (first half of the 1360s) uncovered 13 Juchid coins, while Kyzyloba’s mausoleum (second half of the 1330s) yielded four coins attributed to Khan Uzbek. These findings suggest regional variations in coin circulation and plague spread, though further statistical analysis is needed for conclusive insights.
L. R. Kyzlasov and the Stone Statues of Central Kazakhstan
Research by L. R. Kyzlasov in the Saryarka region of Northern Kazakhstan has shed light on the stone statues and structures of Central Kazakhstan, revealing their cultural and chronological significance spanning multiple periods, including deer stones, Saka, Ancient Turkic, and Qipchag eras. His 1948 fieldwork documented over ten statues and related constructions in the Kazakh Uplands, while his 1951 analysis compared these sites with others globally, attempting to define their origins. Though his records were limited by the standards of his time, they remain valuable as some site locations are now unknown. Additional insights were gleaned from Kyzlasov's unpublished field journal and sketchbook, which was later published in 2017.
Monuments of cultural architecture of Saryarka
Research reveals that the mausoleum of Zhoshykhan, eldest son of Genghis Khan, provides historical evidence confirming its construction date and the relocation of his headquarters from Eastern to Central Kazakhstan. This finding is significant as it links the monument's location with medieval Kazakh history, offering insights into the movement of power structures during this period. Additionally, the study highlights a traditional Kazakh ritual, 'ainalmak,' which involves circular detours around burial structures like Alashakhan and Duzen Sandybaev mausoleums. These rituals, also observed in other Central Asian mausoleums such as those in Bukhara and Turkmenistan, underscore deep cultural roots tied to solar symbolism and healing practices. The research underscores the importance of further studying these under-examined monuments to enrich understanding of Kazakh heritage.
Ritual model of «living space for the dead» from the Eneolithic to the Middle Ages (based on materials from settlements in Upper Tobol, Saryarka and Priirtysh)
A ritual model of 'living space for the dead' has been identified as a persistent cultural practice from the Eneolithic to the Middle Ages, based on materials from settlements in Upper Tobol, Saryarka, and Priirtysh. This model, rooted in both mundane and sacred societal conditions, demonstrates a strong topographical dependence and cult character that endured through early and late nomadic traditions across the Eurasian Steppe. The study analyzed ten settlements spanning different time periods to identify burial groups by status, revealing that this ancient ritual persisted even into modern tribal burial complexes within seasonal winter settlements.
Senkibay-2 - New Location of Ceramics of Elunino in Central Saryarka
A significant archaeological discovery in Central Saryarka, Kazakhstan, reveals Early Bronze Age ceramics linked to the Elunino Culture, dating back to the second half of the 3rd millennium BC. This find, unearthed at the Senkibay-2 burial ground within a Petrovka Culture mound-enclosure, expands the known distribution of the Elunino Culture further south, potentially reaching the northern coast of Lake Balkhash. The study utilized radiocarbon dating and analogies with regional sites to attribute the ceramics to this culture, though its exact nature—whether part of funeral-commemorative activities or a destroyed settlement layer—remains unresolved. This discovery also sheds light on the spatial relationship between Elunino and Petrovka cultural formations in pre-Andronovo complexes, highlighting the need for further fieldwork to clarify these findings.
The Main Directions and Methods of Research of Toponymy of Saryarka
Research on the toponymy of Saryarka, a vast UNESCO World Heritage Site in northern Kazakhstan, reveals that its study is best approached through interdisciplinary methods combining geographical, linguistic, and historical sciences. The findings highlight the importance of integrating descriptive, historical, lexicon-geographical, comparative-geographical, cartographic (GIS), and statistical methods to accurately analyze toponyms. These methods are selected based on the unique characteristics of place names, their historical development, and the geographical features of the region. The study also emphasizes the role of geoinformation systems (GIS) and cartography in enhancing toponymic research, providing a robust framework for understanding the complex layers of naming in this significant landscape.
The Role of the System of Pasture Terms and Toponyms of Saryarka in Determining Landscape Features
Pasture terms and toponyms in the Saryarka Steppe of Northern Kazakhstan encode critical landscape features, offering insights into traditional land use patterns. This study reveals how geographical names reflect seasonal pasture management practices and ethnic spatial distribution, providing a linguistic lens to understand ecological dynamics. Researchers analyzed toponymic data to map landscape characteristics, demonstrating that these terms serve as historical markers of natural resource utilization. The findings underscore the value of indigenous knowledge in sustainable land management, particularly for cattle breeding, by linking language patterns to environmental features like vegetation and water sources.
Traceological Analysis of Stone Tools of Miners and Metallurgists from Zhezkazgan Copper Deposits
A traceological analysis of stone tools from the Zhezkazgan copper deposits in Northern Kazakhstan reveals distinct functional specializations between miners and metallurgists during the Late Bronze Age. The study, which examined 63 tools from two sites—Kresto-Center quarry and Milykuduk settlement—demonstrates that Kresto-Center was primarily involved in ore extraction, while Milykuduk specialized in ore processing. This specialization underscores the region's significance as a major center for mining and metallurgy in Northern Eurasia, with copper deposits driving technological development. The research employed structural, raw material, typological, technological, functional, and contextual analyses to elucidate these roles, highlighting the complexity and sophistication of ancient productive forces.
Typological Features of the Sites of Mongolian Time (Central Kazakhstan)
A distinctive ritual feature—vertical placement of small ruminant leg bones at the head of the deceased—has been identified as a marker for early Mongolian burials in Saryarka, distinguishing them from local Oguz-Kimak-Kypchak traditions. This study reveals that while such burials share structural similarities with broader Central Asian practices, their unique ritual element links them to Baikal region customs. Additionally, the research documents significant shifts in burial architecture during the Golden Horde period, including the transition from stone to earthen embankments and the emergence of sub-kurgan adobe enclosures aligned with Islamic qibla orientations. The analysis combines empirical typology with historical context to reconstruct Mongolian-era burial practices in Kazakhstan.
Toponyms along the Path of Historical Migration (Based on Materials from the Saryarka Region)
Toponyms in Central Kazakhstan, particularly those linked to historical migration routes such as Khan zholy, Sarysu zholy, and Kendirli zholy, have remained stable for over three centuries despite significant socio-political changes. These toponyms, primarily ethnotonyms, reflect the movement of tribes like the Middle Zhuz (argyn, naiman) and Junior Zhuz (tama, alshyn, zhagalbayly), as well as clan groups such as Kozha and Kyrgyz, from southern regions to Central and Northern Kazakhstan. The study, based on historical and geographical materials, reveals that these names persist due to the rational use of steppe roads during migration, highlighting the stability in ethnogenetic and geographical patterns of the region. The research underscores the enduring influence of historical migration paths on toponymy.
Soil macrofauna (invertebrates) of Kazakhstanian Stipa lessingiana dry steppe
A study of soil macrofauna in the Naurzum State Nature Reserve, part of the UNESCO World Heritage site 'Saryarka Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan,' reveals that the abundance and biomass of soil-dwelling invertebrates are significantly lower than in northern and western steppe regions. This finding highlights the unique ecological challenges faced by the dry, continental climate of the Turgai Plateau, where remnants of Virgin Stipa lessingiana steppes persist despite historical land-use changes during the Soviet Virgin Land campaign. The research provides a detailed analysis of the faunistic composition and community structure of these invertebrates, underscoring their critical role in the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems.
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