Vol. 109 No. 2 (2025): Мәдени мұра №2 (109) 2025

This article presents the detailed results of archaeological research conducted in 2001 by the Turan Archaeological Expedition (headed by Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor M. Eleuov) in the Sauran District of Turkistan Region (formerly South Kazakhstan Region).

Purpose of the article: The primary excavations were carried out at the medieval sites of Kultobe and Karashyk, located on the southern slopes of the Karatau Range.

Research methods: These excavations revealed the structural and planning characteristics, cultural layers, and archaeological complexes of the settlements.

Research materials and results: The data obtained significantly clarified the historical development and urbanization processes of the region. In addition, the expedition conducted surveys in the valleys and gorges of the Biresek, Bayyldyr, Zhynggylshyk, Ushozen, and Karakudyk rivers, identifying rock art at 15 different locations. Among them are important petroglyph sites such as Korzhailau, Tamgalytas, Tekturmas, Kiyinzhurek, Karadegeres, Tosbulak, Shukyrsaz, Kyzylshyn, Burakonys, Kenozen, Karakus, Maidantal, and Mailykara. These images reflect the mythological and religious beliefs, hunting practices, and pastoral life of ancient societies. The stylistic diversity and compositional coherence of the petroglyphs play a crucial role in revealing ancient worldviews.

Conclusions: The article analyzes the cultural significance, methods, and future directions of rock art and medieval monuments.

Annotation. This article is about the results of the research work of the Turkestan archaeological expedition, which excavated archaeological monuments of the Turkestan region, which has its place in the formation of the Islamic religion in the Islamic world and was one of the largest religious centers in Central Asia.

The main objective of the expedition was to determine the lack of a full assessment of the archaeological monuments of the early medieval and medieval urban culture in the Turkestan region, despite the achievements of rapidly developing archaeological science in the 20th century, and the lack of detailed study of the specific features of the monuments of the Turkestan region compared to other ancient cities of Central Asia.

It was established that the Turkestan archaeological expedition, in addition to archaeological excavations in the cities and towns of the region, also conducted research on previously unexplored physical-geographical, toponomic, stratigraphic and irrigation systems. During the research work, in addition to clarifying the details of previously studied archaeological sites, reconnaissance work is also carried out to identify new monuments of medieval urban culture.

The research work was carried out in two periods - the ancient medieval and early medieval periods of urban culture. Over the course of several years of research, archaeological surveys and records were conducted in dozens of cities and settlements. During the work of the Turkestan archaeological expedition, a number of innovations and corrections were made to almost all scientific views on the formation and development of ancient and medieval settlements and urban culture in the region.

Materials and research methods.

The analysis of the studied data on archaeological monuments of the Turkestan region was carried out by methods of historical-comparative and historical-typological, inductive analysis. Priority was given to methods of chronological comparison and analysis aimed at identifying the content of ceramic and material data, scientifically formulated facts related to the period of construction of archaeological monuments of the region.

The accumulated results of archaeological research are presented for scientific circulation.

Results

The main documentary materials were found as a result of excavations carried out by the Turkestan archaeological expedition in 1996-2006. The material data found during an archaeological excavation will enrich our understanding of the material and spiritual values ​​of settlements and urban structures in the region in ancient times BC.

In the monograph of the famous archaeologist, candidate of historical sciences M. Tuyakbayev “Topography of the Turkestan oasis, historical development of cities and settlements (XIII-XIX centuries.)”, known and new materials on the urban culture of the Turkestan oasis are systematized and collected, and the historical and archaeological context is reflected in the reconstruction of the main stages of the evolution of cities and settlements of the Turkestan oasis.

In addition, the reference collection “Historical and Cultural Monuments in the Turkestan Region”, published by the “Azret Sultan” National Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve, provides reference information on historical and cultural, medieval architectural and construction and religious and spiritual monuments found as a result of archaeological research in the Turkestan region, as well as modern constructions of the XIX-XX centuries. The collection includes information on the location of the monument, time, typological features, area, scientific research, brief history, current use, and other information.

Цель статьи — исследование вопросов, связанных с ролью зеркала в заупокойном обряде скифо-сарматского времени. Базой для изучения указанной проблемы служат этнографические и археологические источники. Считается, что у многих древних народов зеркалам в этом ритуале, отводилась особая роль. Значение зеркала в погребальной практике особенно выделяется в археологии скифо-сарматского времени. Бронзовые зеркала достаточно часто встречаются в наборах сопроводительного инвентаря погребений носителей скифской, савроматской, сарматской, пазырыкской и других археологических культур. Зеркала находят в могилах представителей различных гендерных групп. Предполагается, что в древности люди рассматривали образ, появлявшийся в зеркале, как отражение души его владельца. Исходя из того, что у многих народов Азии зеркало было важной культовой принадлежностью шаманов, обнаруженные в археологических памятниках зеркала и относят к числу магических вещей, предназначенных для совершения заупокойных обрядов.

Зеркала могли использоваться в магических действах скифо-сарматской эпохи, но ещё при жизни человека, поскольку под понятием магия подразумеваются действия людей, которые имеют цель влиять сверхъестественным образом на тот или иной материальный предмет или явление.

Результаты исследования позволяют говорить о том, что толкование магической роли зеркала в погребальном обряде населения Евразии в скифо-сарматское время не находит подтверждения. Рассмотренный материал показал, что к использованию этнографических данных при интерпретации магической роли зеркал в погребальном обряде древних народов, следует подходить осмотрительно, учитывая время, к которому относятся сведения об их употреблении.

The article analyzes the scientific literature on pottery in Central Asia, the purpose of which is to study the history of the study of this craft on the territory of South Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.

In this paper, the source base is represented by travel notes of military topographers, officers of the General Staff, works of ethnographers such as V.V. Ekimova, K.I. Antipina, O.Janibekov, etc. The artist V. Rozvadovsky studied pottery in seven locations such as Bukhara, Karshah, Samarkand, Khodjent, Ura-Tube, Rishtan and Tashkent. It is worth emphasizing the work of Ekimova Vera Vasilievna - ethnographer, specialist in the culture of the peoples of Central Asia, primarily Uzbeks, to the study of which was mainly devoted to her expedition and research activities. As part of the Khorezm expedition she collected data on the pottery craft of the Uzebeks, in particular, the ethnographer gives a description of the technique of making large tableware, brief information about the “riceola”. K.I.Antipina, the largest expert on the culture, traditions and life of the Kyrgyz people, author of scientific works on the history and traditions of Kyrgyz carpet-making, patterned weaving and many other types of folk-applied art, writes about the use of clay in construction by the Kyrgyz. O. Zhanibekov's work gives brief information about the use of clay in the construction of houses of the Kazakh people. Thus, based on the studied literature, we can conclude that the history of the study of pottery in Central Asia began in the XIX century, followed by systematic ethnographic and archaeological research of the region.

This article examines the development of the ceramic art of the Golden Horde, analyzing its technological and artistic features. Ceramic products discovered during archaeological excavations indicate that the city of Saraishyq was a medieval center of crafts and trade. The article explores the material composition of ceramic artifacts, glazing and painting techniques, and examples of polychrome ceramics. Various processing methods and the use of pigments enhance the aesthetic value of the objects and reflect cultural interactions. The ceramic art of the Golden Horde clearly shows the influence of Chinese, Iranian, Central Asian, and European cultures. Decorative motifs include plant-based, zoomorphic, and geometric patterns, along with symbolic representations of the Garden of Eden, a characteristic motif of Islamic culture. The author highlights the artistic and historical significance of Golden Horde ceramics, emphasizing their local features in the context of broader cultural exchanges. Special attention is paid to a fragment of polychrome ceramics decorated with an image of red peonies and gold foil. This object is interpreted as an artistic symbol of the paradise garden in Islamic culture. By describing the cultural synthesis within Golden Horde ceramics, the author demonstrates their connection to various civilizations with specific examples.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the historical and cultural significance of the medieval city of Sarayshyk, one of the most important cities in Kazakhstan from the 13th to the 16th centuries. It describes the city’s formation and development, as well as its strategic role. The growth of Sarayshyk, its architectural features, lifestyle of its inhabitants, handicraft production, and trade system are examined based on archaeological evidence. Special attention is given to the contributions of renowned Kazakhstani archaeologist Zainolla Samashev, whose excavations revealed valuable information about the city. The article outlines four key stages in Sarayshyk’s rise and flourishing, highlighting its importance as a hub where nomadic and sedentary cultures intersected. It also presents current issues related to the preservation of the archaeological site and measures taken to protect it. The city’s significance as a commercial, cultural, and administrative center during the periods of the Golden Horde, the Nogai Horde, and the Kazakh Khanate—due to its location on the Silk Road—is clearly emphasized. The threat of destruction due to natural factors and potential conservation methods are also addressed. The author underscores the value of Sarayshyk as a cultural heritage site and proposes scientific and practical approaches to ensure its preservation for future generations.

Мақалада XX ғасырдың ортасынан бүгінгі күнге дейінгі кезеңде тарихнамада қалыптасқан тас қатарлары бар қорғандардың («мұртты» қорғандар) функционалды-семантикалық интерпретациялары қарастырылады. Сонымен бірге қазіргі мәдени-тарихи тұжырымдамаларға сүйене отырып әртүрлі зерттеушілердің көзқарастары талданады. Мақалада бұл ескерткіштерге тән негізгі функциялар анықталған: культтік-анцестральдік, культтік-солярлық, мерекелік, ритуалды-тазарту және т.б. Қазіргі ғылыми парадигма аясында ең сенімді интерпретациялар ретінде «мұртты» қорғандарды жоғары мәртебелі марқұмдарды ұлықтау мен кеңістікті сакрализациялауға байланысты ерте түркі дәуіріндегі культтік-мемориалдық кешендер ретінде қарастыратын көзқарастар танылып отыр. Мұндай нысандарды интерпретациялауда кешенді әрі сындарлы тәсілді қолдану қажеттілігі атап өтіледі.

The centuries-long shared historical and cultural development of Turkic-speaking peoples testifies to the unity of their spiritual heritage. Although the ethnic identity of the Kazakh people was fully formed in the 15th century, cultural elements prior to this period evolved within the framework of tribal and clan-based art. The ethnic community of Turkic-speaking tribes that inhabited the territory from the Syr Darya valley to the Altai Mountains, and from the southern Urals to Zhetysu in the 14th–15th centuries, largely determined the ethnic composition of the Kazakhs of Xinjiang. The spiritual heritage of these peoples, including instrumental music, is closely tied to the nomadic way of life and played a significant role in shaping the cultural unity and national identity of the ethnic group. This scholarly article explores the instrumental musical heritage of the Kazakhs of Xinjiang within a historical and cultural context. The objective of the study is to systematically examine the artistic and performance features of the dombra and sybyzgy traditions in the region, to analyze the role of historical figures, and to identify the formation of regional performance schools, thereby clarifying the significance of this heritage within the musicology of both the Turkic world and Kazakhstan. The research employs historical-typological, comparative-theoretical, and ethnophonic analytical methods, along with a comprehensive methodological approach. The instrumental music of the Kazakhs of Xinjiang was analyzed based on both notated and audio materials, revealing structural features of dombra pieces (kyuis) and differences in tonal and modal organization. As a result of the study, the regional performance traditions, the artistic styles of prominent historical figures, and the historical and cultural development of the region’s instrumental music were scientifically examined.

This article is dedicated to the person encountered in sources under the pseudonym Kara-Shaitan (Gara-Sheitan, Black Devil). His real name is unknown to modern historiography. At the same time, his fate is very closely connected with the past of the Turkmen people of the second half of the 19th century. The purpose of our study is to collect all available material that will allow us to lift the veil of this unexplored issue. The use of the comparative historical method in the study of historical data, as well as the use of the anthropological approach in covering the task at hand, will help to present the whole picture of the events of that time in the smallest details. When writing this work, Bukharan, Kazakh, Russian and European sources were used, the information from which successfully built the chronology of the military and political events that unfolded. We are presented with unknown facts of the participation of Turkmen tribes in the events related to the conquest of the Bukhara Emirate by the Russian Empire. New historical figures and their role in the episodes of this turbulent historical period of the region are revealed. The role of the Turkmen guardians of order - the Yasavuls and their guard service on the border of the Merv Oasis and the Bukhara Emirate is shown. At the head of this entire phenomenon stood Kara-Shaitan, whose activities served to strengthen peace and stability in the region.