NEW ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES OF THE TURKIC ERA IN ALTAI-TARBAGATAI

Abstract

The article discusses the results of archaeological research on monuments of the ancient Turkic era in the eastern regions of Kazakhstan in 2021-2023. During this period, 10 mounds and 1 funeral-ritual complex consisting of 16 fences were examined. The structure of grave and intra-grave structures, with the burial of horses in several mounds, as well as the position and orientation of the buried, the main grave goods of the studied monuments correspond to the culture of the Kimak period. Archaeological research carried out in the Eleke Sazy valley allows us to localize one of the Kimak nomadic camps in this territory. Subsequent work will make it possible to determine the scale of settlement of the Tarbagatai foothills. The main material of the article is presented by research from the 2023 field season conducted at the Kansar burial ground. As a result of recent research at this site, interesting materials were obtained containing household items, weapons, and works of art. The latter enrich our understanding of the artistic culture of the population of the second half of the 1st millennium AD. Eastern Kazakhstan and, of course, contribute to the study of the material and spiritual culture of ancient Turkic society.