Renowned researcher unveils Kazakhstan as a significant crossroads in primitive human migration
Kazakhstan’s Ancient History Revealed: Migration Routes of Primitive People
Kazakhstan has long been considered a significant region in the migrational paths of primitive people, according to Zhaken Taimagambetov, a professor and chief researcher at the National Museum of Kazakhstan. Speaking at an international conference titled “The Aral-Caspian Region in the History and Culture of Eurasia” last year in Aktobe, Taimagambetov shed light on the country’s ancient past.
Taimagambetov explained that Africa is known as the birthplace of humanity, with archaeological sites dating back more than four million years. He pointed out that there were two waves of migration by primitive people, with the first one passing through Kazakhstan.
During this migration, when the Hindu Kush mountain range in the Himalayas was lower, people traveled to the territory of Kazakhstan through the Borykazgan and Tanirkazgan points. The second wave of migration occurred when the Hindu Kush mountains rose due to tectonic movements, making them impassable and forcing people to find alternative routes.
Exploring ancient sites in Kazakhstan is a complex task due to its predominantly arid landscape. Therefore, bone remains are scarce, with most discoveries being made in caves. Taimagambetov emphasized that archaeological sites dating back to 700,000-800,000 years B.C. have been found in Kazakhstan, providing valuable insights into the lives of ancient people.
Taimagambetov personally leads three expeditions, with over 80 caves discovered in the Karatau Range located in the south of the country. The team has sent bone samples found in one of these caves to laboratories for analysis. Notably, a human tooth dating back 48,000 years was found in a cave in the Turkistan Region.
The Aktobe region in Kazakhstan plays a particularly vital role in archaeological research. Taimagambetov revealed that, after more than a year of research, they have discovered over 60 sites of primitive people in the Mugalzhar mountains of Aktobe. These sites reveal where ancient people made their first primitive tools using quartzite.
One standout site in the region is the Grotto Toleubulak, which is an ancient shrine with cave paintings. Archaeological sites are scattered on the surface of the area, and artifacts surround the grotto. The cave, believed to be more than 10,000 years old, features carved drawings, some of which are considered to be the oldest symbols on Earth.
Taimagambetov suggested that the Grotto Toleubulak should become a tourist attraction and proposed building a museum in the area. This would provide visitors with access to the ancient paintings and artifacts, allowing them to experience the rich history of Kazakhstan firsthand.
The discoveries made in Kazakhstan offer valuable insights into the migrational patterns of primitive people and shed light on their daily lives. With ongoing research and exploration, Kazakhstan is sure to unravel more secrets of its ancient past.
