Abstract
The article presents the results of the Chirik-Rabat Archaeological Expedition (CRAE) conducted in 2022. The exploration documented slag mounds along the ancient Inkardarya riverbed, followed by research in the direction of the dry Zhanadarya riverbed, where medieval cities and fortresses were studied. Settlements and fortresses were recorded via aerial surveys, and surface materials were collected. During the exploration, the Syrly Tam 2 and Inkar 2 settlements and the Kekireli site were discovered. Most surface materials from these sites consist of ceramics. A large portion of the ceramics from Or-Kala (Bestam) resembles those found in Asanas and Kyshkala, dated to the Golden Horde period. Numerous ornaments were also found, with beads being the most common.
Based on scientific data, the study analyzed the research history of early Iron Age and medieval monuments. The survey covered arid areas of the ancient Inkardarya and Zhanadarya riverbeds. New monuments were discovered to map the Zhanadarya region, determine their chronology, and establish cultural links. Computer programs (QGIS and Google Earth Pro) were used to create topographic projects and maps. These tools helped identify the location features of early Iron Age burial sites and medieval settlements.
01 Introduction
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