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"The Archaeological Heritage of Saryarka (from the Stone Age to the Middle Ages)"
10 Apr 2026
Programs and projects

Program: "The Archaeological Heritage of Saryarka (from the Stone Age to the Middle Ages)" | Project BR24992951

1. Relevance of the research

Saryarka is a center of nomadic culture and the site of the first academic expedition in Kazakhstan. The region is a key territory in the formation of the foundations of Kazakh statehood. Previously accumulated data no longer meet modern scientific requirements. Significant gaps in the study of the ancient and medieval history of the region necessitate new, comprehensive research.

The fertile mountain valleys—Ulytau, Karkaraly, Bayanaul, Kokshetau, Zerendy, and Imantau—as well as the river valleys of the Sarysu, Kengir, Nura, and Ishim, have been areas of permanent human habitation since ancient times. This is confirmed by the presence of diverse archaeological sites: Stone Age campsites, settlements and necropolises from the Bronze and Early Iron Ages, stone statues, and the remains of medieval cities and mausoleums.

2.  Objective of the Project

Theoretical modeling and interdisciplinary research of historical and cultural processes in the territory of Saryarka from the Stone Age to the Middle Ages in the context of studying intercultural contacts in Central Eurasia.

3. Expected Results
  • At least 8 articles in peer-reviewed journals indexed in the Scopus database (at least 25th percentile).
  • At least 10 articles in journals recommended by the CQASHE of the MSHE RK (Committee for Quality Assurance in Science and Higher Education of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan).
  • Monographs: on the Early Iron Age of Central Kazakhstan; on the Bestamak burial ground; on the Alakul culture of Central Kazakhstan (series "Materials and Research on the Archaeology of Kazakhstan").
  • Creation of an electronic database of the archaeological heritage of the Ulytau region.
  • Socio-economic impact: protection of historical and cultural heritage sites, development of the region's tourist infrastructure.
4. Achieved Results

2024 (1st Year):

  • Prepared a source base for the archaeology of Saryarka from the Paleolithic to the Middle Ages.
  • Created an analytical base and conducted a historiographical review of the stone statues of Saryarka.
  • Completed the classification of monuments from the Golden Horde period in the Ulytau and Karaganda regions (mausoleums, settlements, burial mounds).
  • Clarified the geographical locations and chronological frameworks of the monuments of the Ulus of Jochi.

2025 (2nd Year):

  • Studied the stone industries of the Paleolithic, Neolithic, and Eneolithic periods (Borsengir and Muzbel sites, Karaganda Regional Museum).
  • Conducted a search and analysis of mining and metallurgical sites from the Bronze Age (Akmaya settlement, Karaganda and Ulytau regions).
  • Investigated the following sites: Arshaly-2, Karatobe-3, and Aidarly (Early Iron Age).
  • Conducted an archaeological survey of the Khan-Ordasy settlement.
  • Published 22 scientific works: 9 articles in Scopus, 3 articles in CQASHE-recommended journals, 3 monographs, and 7 conference papers.
  • Organized and held: 1 scientific seminar, 1 round table, and 1 international summer field school (Ulytau, July 2–11, 2025).

 

5. Members of the Research Team
# Full Name / Academic Degree Affiliation / Position Scopus Author ID ORCID Researcher ID / Web of Science
1 Ongar A., Cand. Sci. (Hist.) A.Kh. Margulan Institute of Archaeology, Chief Researcher 57191073325 0000-0002-1113-7817 —
2 Musayeva R.S. A.Kh. Margulan Institute of Archaeology, Researcher 57211791856 0000-0001-6615-9223 —
3 Vishnyakova-Bizyayeva E.V. A.Kh. Margulan Institute of Archaeology, Laboratory Assistant 57191073357 0000-0001-8783-27043 —
4 Artyukhova O.A., Cand. Sci. (Hist.) A.Kh. Margulan Institute of Archaeology, Leading Researcher — 0000-0002-8056-0125 —
5 Rakhimzhanova S.Zh., Cand. Sci. (Hist.) A.Kh. Margulan Institute of Archaeology, Leading Researcher 57220044077 0000-0003-1429-1470 ABF-8337-2021
6 Zakharov S.V., Cand. Sci. (Hist.) A.Kh. Margulan Institute of Archaeology, Leading Researcher 57211644731 0009-0009-4848-1118 KBB-1866-2024
7 Sakenov S.K., PhD Branch of A.Kh. Margulan Institute of Archaeology in Astana, Leading Researcher 57200639306 0000-0001-8868-4280 ADX-4368-2022
8 Utubayev Zh.R., Cand. Sci. (Hist.) A.Kh. Margulan Institute of Archaeology, Leading Researcher 57220056938 0000-0002-6484-2923 —
9 Yarygin S.A., PhD Branch of A.Kh. Margulan Institute of Archaeology in Astana, Leading Researcher 57110436200 0000-0001-9505-2839 —
10 Beysenov A.Z., Cand. Sci. (Hist.) A.Kh. Margulan Institute of Archaeology, Leading Researcher 55963532200 0000-0003-2524-264X O-7671-2014
11 Dzhumаbekova G.S., Cand. Sci. (Hist.) A.Kh. Margulan Institute of Archaeology, Leading Researcher 57211790686 0000-0003-2145-2615 —
12 Bazarbayeva G.A., Cand. Sci. (Hist.) A.Kh. Margulan Institute of Archaeology, Leading Researcher 57211794384 0000-0003-4755-9007 —
13 Kasenova A.D., Cand. Sci. (Hist.) A.Kh. Margulan Institute of Archaeology, Leading Researcher — 0000-0002-8401-6610 —
14 Taleyev D.A., Cand. Sci. (Hist.) A.Kh. Margulan Institute of Archaeology, Leading Researcher 58103961500 0000-0002-1694-3762 —
15 Tazhekeyev A.A., PhD A.Kh. Margulan Institute of Archaeology, Leading Researcher 57192674551 0000-0001-8145-1396 —
16 Khasenova B.M., PhD A.Kh. Margulan Institute of Archaeology, Leading Researcher 57201194584 0000-0003-3756-8655 —
17 Bilyalova G.D., PhD A.Kh. Margulan Institute of Archaeology, Leading Researcher — 0000-0003-1696-6144 —
18 Ganiyeva A.S., Cand. Sci. (Hist.) A.Kh. Margulan Institute of Archaeology, Leading Researcher — 0000-0002-2844-6819 —
19 Akhmetjan K.S., Cand. Sci. (Hist.) A.Kh. Margulan Institute of Archaeology, Leading Researcher — — —
20 Aytbayeva A.Ye., PhD A.Kh. Margulan Institute of Archaeology, Researcher — 0000-0003-1991-7508 —
21 Shevnina I.V., Cand. Sci. (Hist.) Akhmet Baitursynov Kostanay Regional University, Senior Researcher, Archaeological Laboratory 24829708500 0000-0003-3595-6849 O-5743-2017
22 Logvin A.V., Cand. Sci. (Hist.) Akhmet Baitursynov Kostanay Regional University, Head of Archaeological Laboratory 56005266900 0000-0002-2526-9300 —
23 Loman A.V., Cand. Sci. (Hist.) Ye.A. Buketov Karaganda University, Leading Researcher, Saryarka Archaeological Institute — 0000-0002-2996-9873 —
24 Kukushkin A.I., PhD Ye.A. Buketov Karaganda University, Director of Saryarka Archaeological Institute 57192093415 0000-0002-6262 —
25 Kukushkin I.A., Cand. Sci. (Hist.) Ye.A. Buketov Karaganda University, Leading Researcher, Saryarka Archaeological Institute 56329387800 0000-0002-4798-8496 —
26 Bedelbayeva M.V., Cand. Sci. (Hist.) Ye.A. Buketov Karaganda University, Head of the Museum of Archaeology — 0000-0002-5689-1945 —
27 Oskenbai K.Z., Cand. Sci. (Hist.) Institute for Humanitarian Research, ABDI, Leading Researcher 57574673300 0000-0002-9893-763X —
28 Sikhymbayeva K.B., Cand. Sci. (Hist.) Central State Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Senior Researcher — 0000-0003-0340-2622 —
29 Merts V.K., Cand. Sci. (Hist.) Toraighyrov University, Director of the Centre for Archaeological Research 56866320100 0000-0001-9066-9629 —
30 Yermolayeva A. A.Kh. Margulan Institute of Archaeology — — —
31 Mamedov A.Kh. Margulan Institute of Archaeology — — —
32 Oshanov O. A.Kh. Margulan Institute of Archaeology 56005266900 0000-0002-2526-9300 —
33 Asylbekov A.Kh. Margulan Institute of Archaeology — — —
34 Duysenbai National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan — — —
35 Amirov Ye.Sh. A.Kh. Margulan Institute of Archaeology — — —
36 Kairmaga A.Kh. Margulan Institute of Archaeology — — —
37 Shulga V.A. A.Kh. Margulan Institute of Archaeology — — —
38 Shagirbayev A.Kh. Margulan Institute of Archaeology — — —
39 Kaliyeva A.Kh. Margulan Institute of Archaeology — — —
Total: 39 participants (1 principal investigator + 38 researchers). Vacant positions excluded. Source: Application BR24992951, Table 1.

 

 6. List of Publications
# Authors Title Journal / Publication Year DOI / Link
I. DOMESTIC PUBLICATIONS — SCOPUS-INDEXED JOURNALS (CiteScore 0.6: 55%)  |  Total: 4
1 Талеев Д.А., Манапова А.М. Средневековые археологические памятники Сарыарки: краткий анализ и перспективы Археология Казахстана. 2025. №1(27). С.11–30 2025 10.52967/akz2025.1.27.11.30
2 Ержанова А.Е., Горащук И.В., Чотбаев А.Е. «Охота — война»: каменные наконечники стрел поселения Талдысай (Центральный Казахстан) Археология Казахстана. 2025. №2(28). С.338–358 2025 10.52967/akz2025.2.28.338.358
3 Захаров С.В. Выявление и полевое изучение памятников энеолита Тургайского плато и Тургайской ложбины. Начальное столетие (1880-е — 1979 гг.) Археология Казахстана. 2025. №2(28). С.115–158 2025 10.52967/akz2025.2.28.114.158
4 Волошин В.С. Неолитические памятники Павловка 1 и Беймен на севере Сарыарки Археология Казахстана. 2025. №2(28). С.215–229 2025 10.52967/akz2025.2.28.215.229
II. INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATIONS — SCOPUS-INDEXED JOURNALS  |  Total: 5
5 Усманова Э.Р., Жумашев Р.М., Кожахметов Б.С., Тлеубергенов Т.А. Знание и сохранение памяти о «кыпчакском» походе Амира Тимура 1391 года Поволжская археология. 2025. №2(52). С.143–153. CiteScore 0.6:60% 2025 10.24852/pa2025.2.52.143.153
6 Zakharov S.V. Culture énéolithique de Botaï-Tersek au Kazakhstan septentrional L'Anthropologie. April–June 2025. Vol.129. Iss.2. 103363. Pp.1–13. CiteScore 0.6:65% 2025 10.1016/j.anthro.2025.103363
7 Бейсенов А.З., Ахияров И.Н., Косинцев П.А. Памятники округи горы Айыртас и проблема поиска средневековых поселений в восточных районах Центрального Казахстана МАИАСП. 2025. №21. С.22–33. CiteScore 0.7:77% 2025 10.53737/2713-2021.2025.13.66.002
8 Усманова Э.Р., Нечвалода А.И., Колбина А.В., Панюшкина И.П., Дмитриев Е.А. et al. Воины улуса Джучи в Улытау: антропологическая реконструкция лиц по черепам из погребений мемориально-ритуального комплекса Карасуыр МАИАСП. 2025. №21. С.57–76. CiteScore 0.7:77% 2025 10.53737/2713-2021.2025.63.55.004
9 Oshanov O. Ancient caravan routes of Western Saryarka MAIASP. 2025. №20. Pp.7–15. CiteScore 0.7:77% 2025 10.53737/2713-2021.2025.32.90.001
III. JOURNALS RECOMMENDED BY KOKSNVO MHES RK  |  Total: 2
10 Утубаев Ж., Суюндикова М., Шагирбаев М., Касенова А.Д., Калиева Ж. Средневековый город Нёгербек: результаты археологических и палеоэкономических исследований Turkic Studies Journal. 2025. №3. С.26–52 2025 10.32523/2664-5157-2025-3-26-52
11 Kazmadiyarova I., Ouellet J. Coin finds in the archaeological sites of Sary-Arka Gumilyov Journal of History. 2025. Vol.152. Pp.84–98 2025 10.32523/3080-129X-2025-152-3S1-84-98
IV. JOURNALS EQUIVALENT TO KOKSNVO-RECOMMENDED  |  Total: 1
12 Усманова Э.Р., Дмитриев Е.А., Жумашев Р.М., Шайгозова Ж.Н., Лопатин В.А. Археологические исследования ландшафта ойрато-казахского военного конфликта в междуречье Буланты-Белеуитты в 2024 году (предварительные результаты) Теория и практика археологических исследований. 2025. №2(37). С.169–185 2025 10.14258/tpai(2025)37(2).-10
V. MONOGRAPHS  |  Total: 3
13 Логвин А.В., Шевнина И. Некрополь Бестамак — Монография. 448 p. Materials and Studies on the Archaeology of Kazakhstan. Vol. XXVII. Almaty: A.Kh. Margulan Institute of Archaeology 2025 —
14 Кукушкин И.А., Дмитриев Е.А. Алакульская культура Центрального Казахстана (по материалам погребальных комплексов) — Монография. 400 p. Materials and Studies on the Archaeology of Kazakhstan. Vol. XXVIII. Almaty: A.Kh. Margulan Institute of Archaeology 2025 —
15 Ломан В.Г. Древнее гончарство Центрального Казахстана (по данным технико-типологического анализа керамики) — Монография. 300 p. Materials and Studies on the Archaeology of Kazakhstan. Vol. XXIX. Almaty: A.Kh. Margulan Institute of Archaeology 2025 —
VI. CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS  |  Total: 4
16 Ганиева А.С., Сакенов С.К. Казахские зимовки Северной Сарыарки: археология традиционного уклада жизни Марғұлан оқулары-2025. Almaty. 26–28 March. Pp.81–90 2025 —
17 Сеитов А.М., Джумабекова Г.С., Жамбулатов К.А. et al. Раннесарматский комплекс Каратобе-3 близ г. Житикара: предварительное сообщение (2024 г.) Марғұлан оқулары-2025. Almaty. 26–28 March. Pp.173–186 2025 —
18 Бейсенов А.З. Археологические исследования М. Кадырбаева в восточных районах Сарыарки и памятники типа Карамола Марғұлан оқулары-2025. Almaty. 26–28 March. Pp.7–25 2025 —
19 Ботанов Д.Е. Сравнительный анализ помещений эпохи раннего железа Сарыарки и Казахского Алтая Ахинжановские чтения-2025. Turkestan. 9–11 April. Pp.81–88 2025 —
VII. OTHER ARTICLES IN SCIENTIFIC JOURNALS  |  Total: 3
20 Усманова Э.Р., Захаров С.В., Панюшкина И.П. Природно-исторические локусы улуса Джучи в Улытау Золотоордынское наследие: Proc. VIII Intl. Golden Horde Forum. Kazan. Vol.6. Pp.293–306 2025 —
21 Усманова Э.Р., Фрикке П.А., Панюшкина И.П. Хронология культурного многообразия Лисаковского археологического микрорайона (Костанайская обл., Казахстан) Этнические взаимодействия на Южном Урале: Proc. IX All-Russian Sci. Conf. Chelyabinsk. Pp.24–30 2025 —
22 Ботанов Д.Е. Кожевенное дело на поселении эпохи раннего железа Акбауыр-1 Комплексное изучение историко-культурного наследия Центральной Азии: LXV Russian Conf. Barnaul. Pp.135–136 2025 —
VIII. SCIENTIFIC EVENTS  |  Total: 3
23 Organizers: "Saryarka" Programme Scientific seminar: "Current Issues in the Study of Ceramics of Kazakhstan and Adjacent Territories" A.Kh. Margulan Institute of Archaeology 2025 archeo.kz
24 Organizers: "Saryarka" Programme Round Table: "Archaeology of Northern Kazakhstan: Achievements and Prospects" Petropavl / online 2025 qyzyljartv.kz
25 Organizers: "Saryarka" Programme International Summer Field School "Interdisciplinary Methods in Archaeology" (2–11 July, Ulytau District) Ulytau Region 2025 archeo.kz
TOTAL: Scopus (domestic) — 4  |  Scopus (international) — 5  |  KOKSNVO — 2  |  KOKSNVO-equivalent — 1  |  Monographs — 3  |  Conference papers — 4  |  Other articles — 3  |  Events — 3
TOTAL publications: 22 + events: 3
 
 
7. Patents / Intellectual Property Objects

Текст нового раздела. 

8. Information for Potential Users

The results of the program will be useful to the following user groups:

  • Scientific community: historians, archaeologists, and anthropologists — for the further study of Central Eurasia.
  • Higher education institutions: teaching staff and students majoring in "History" and "Archaeology".
  • State bodies for the protection of historical and cultural heritage: the Ministry of Culture, and the akimats (regional administrations) of the Ulytau, Karaganda, and Kostanay regions.
  • Museums: the Ulytau and Karaganda Regional Museums, and the Central State Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan — for replenishing and cataloging collections.
  • Tourism industry: for the inclusion of Saryarka's monuments in tourist routes and the development of cultural tourism.
  • General public: for the popularization of the history of Kazakhstan's steppe civilization.