New Archaeological Discoveries Reveal Insight Into Turkic Heritage in Altai Region
New Archaeological Expedition Uncovers Turkic History in Altai Region
ASTANA — An international archaeological expedition has made groundbreaking discoveries that expand our understanding of the history and culture of Turkic people in the Altai region, according to Kazinform.
Two significant findings have emerged from the expedition. Firstly, the team unearthed Turkic settlements dating back to the seventh to ninth centuries in the Kalmak Kyrgan Mountains. Secondly, they identified a Turkic memorial statue from the eighth to ninth centuries in eastern Kazakhstan.
Professor Victor Mertz, the project’s leader from Toraighyrov University, emphasized that previous research had mainly focused on Turkic burials and cult structures, neglecting settlements. Therefore, this collaborative expedition with Altai State University, Kazakhstan’s Institute of Archaeology named after Alkey Margulan, and Toraighyrov University aimed to fill this historical and cultural gap.
The discovered Turkic settlements are significant for the study of Turkic people’s material culture and their role in Altai’s history. These settlements differ in location from those of the early Iron Age and Bronze Age, as they are nestled amid rocky terrain. The well-designed living spaces found within these settlements indicate their functionality in the activities of the Turkic people.
Moreover, the excavations yielded numerous artifacts, particularly those related to metalworking, showcasing the advanced metallurgical skills of the Turkic people. This discovery serves as compelling evidence of their mastery of ironworking, a distinguishing characteristic of Turkic culture.
In addition to the settlements, the archaeologists also uncovered a noteworthy Turkic memorial statue depicting a warrior from the eighth to the ninth century. These statues were traditionally created to honor fallen warriors and were not usually associated with burial sites, highlighting their religious and cultural significance. This finding marks a significant advancement in the study of Turkic monuments in the Northern Altai region.
Archaeologist Sergey Grushin mentioned that the team discovered ancient camping sites belonging to medieval nomadic communities near the memorial complexes. This discovery opens up new avenues for further research into the daily lives and activities of these ancient Turkic nomads.
The international archaeological expedition’s discoveries shed new light on the history and culture of Turkic people in the Altai region. These findings not only contribute to the understanding of Turkic material culture but also provide insights into the daily lives of ancient Turkic nomads. The ongoing research promises to unveil more secrets and enhance our knowledge of this fascinating civilization.
