Bolgar Historical and Archaeological Complex


Publications

Spatial Distribution and Hydrographic Characteristics Analysis in Detached Bays of the Tetyushsky Reach of the Kuibyshev Reservoir

2025 — Article — WHEBE7749FABC

Research identifies 103 isolated bays within the Tetyushsky reach of the Kuibyshev Reservoir, covering 246 hectares and primarily located on left-bank islands formed after reservoir flooding. These detached bays, classified as 'small water bodies,' exhibit predominantly oval or near-circular shapes with slightly indented shorelines. A notable trend toward reduction in water surface area was observed, particularly for bays not connected to the main water body during flood periods. The study leverages satellite imagery from Google Earth Engine and Sentinel-2, combined with field research data from 2024, analyzed using QGIS software at a normal water level of 52.7 m BS. Significantly, these findings are situated within the 'Spassky' Biosphere Reserve and the buffer zone of the UNESCO World Heritage Site – historical and archaeological complex of Bolgar, underscoring their ecological and cultural importance.

Pedo-antrocological characteristics of anthropogenically transformed soils in a case study of the Bolgar historical and archaeological complex in the Republic of Tatarstan (Russia)

2021 — Conference paper — WHEA9FFCD02F0

A key insight from the study of anthropogenically transformed soils at the Bolgar Historical and Archaeological Complex reveals that antrocomass—charred particles—is not universally present in such soils, with its accumulation being optional depending on the soil's genesis and age. The research analyzed four distinct soil layers: a 20th-century garden soil, a 13th-century urban cultural layer, an upper arable soil from the 9th–10th centuries (Bolgar culture), and a lower arable soil from the 5th–7th centuries (Imen'kovo culture). The findings indicate that while the Bolgar culture utilized wood ash and charred bone as a fertilizer, this practice was not evident in earlier soils. Particle-size distribution and charcoal preservation varied by soil genesis type, with 'turbational' soils showing higher fragmentation compared to 'sedimentational' ones.

Proceedings of the 8th International Scientific Conference “Dialogue of Urban And Steppe Cultures in the Eurasian Space” Dedicated to the Memory of G.А. Fedorov-Davydov

2018 — Article — WHE97C543C103

A comprehensive interdisciplinary study of the Bolgar Historical and Archaeological Complex was conducted through the 8th International Scientific Conference held in 2018. The research focused on the dialogue between urban and steppe cultures within the Eurasian space, particularly examining the Mongol Empire and Golden Horde's influence on material culture and technological advancements. A key aspect of the study involved a systematic analysis of Bolgar settlement, supported by the Bolgar Archaeological Expedition, which delved into the continuity of medieval cultural traditions and the establishment patterns of urban settlements in steppe Eurasia. The findings were part of a broader project investigating the ancient towns of Bolgar and Sviyazhsk from 2010 to 2018, providing significant insights into the historical geography and topographical characteristics of these regions.

О работе международного семинара «Мониторинг объектов всемирного наследия ЮНЕСКО: опыт Российской Федерации и стран СНГ»

2017 — Article — WHE2F7FD2AA43

An international workshop on UNESCO World Heritage monitoring, held at the Bolgar Historical and Archaeological Complex in 2017, brought together experts from Russia, CIS countries, and abroad to exchange experiences in preserving cultural heritage sites. The event focused on monitoring techniques for World Heritage and preliminary list monuments, particularly assessing the condition of Bolgar and other Tatarstan sites while preparing proposals for new UNESCO listings. A key outcome was the establishment of the Association of World Heritage Experts of the CIS and Eastern Europe, aiming to strengthen regional collaboration in heritage conservation.

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