Archaeologists working in eastern Kazakhstan have uncovered the remains of a fortified settlement dating to the sixth and seventh centuries AD. The discoveries include defensive structures damaged by fire, traces of buildings and an unusual ceramic bird figurine.
The excavations were carried out by researchers from Al-Farabi Kazakh National University at the Kalzhyr archaeological site, located in the Zaysan Basin near the country’s border with China. Covering more than 25 hectares, the settlement is believed to date from the period of the First Turkic Khaganate.
According to an announcement from Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Science and Higher Education, archaeologists uncovered the remains of major fortifications in the southern part of the settlement. A substantial portion of these structures had been destroyed by fire, although the cause remains unknown.
Aerial view of the Kalzhyr archaeological site in eastern Kazakhstan, where researchers have investigated a fortified settlement dating to the sixth and seventh centuries AD. Photo: Al-Farabi Kazakh National University.
The excavations also revealed earthen floors, plaster preserving traces of ornamentation, and fragments of structures made from reeds and clay.
Archaeological finds and radiocarbon analysis date the site to the sixth and seventh centuries. Researchers have tentatively linked its construction to the First Turkic Khaganate, which emerged as a major power across Central Asia during the sixth century.
Among the discoveries were charred grains of wheat and legumes, ceramic vessels and a rare ceramic bird figurine containing a rattle.
An earlier burial discovery
An archaeologist working in an excavation trench at the Kalzhyr settlement. Photo: Al-Farabi Kazakh National University.
The expedition also uncovered a kereksur, a burial structure dating to the Late Bronze Age, considerably earlier than the medieval settlement.
“During the study, a Kereksur burial structure dating back to the Late Bronze Age was discovered,” said expedition leader Nikita Konstantinov of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. “This discovery expands our understanding of the western extent of these monuments, which primarily encompassed Xinjiang and Mongolia. The collected data will be used to develop digital models and a geographic information system for the region.”
The investigations are part of a wider project examining the archaeological landscapes of the Zaysan Basin, supported by Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Science and Higher Education. Researchers from D. Serikbayev East Kazakhstan Technical University and the A. Kh. Margulan Institute of Archaeology also participated.
Fragment of decorated pottery discovered during archaeological investigations at the Kalzhyr settlement in eastern Kazakhstan. Photo: Al-Farabi Kazakh National University.
Top Image: A ceramic bird figurine containing a rattle, discovered during excavations at the Kalzhyr settlement in eastern Kazakhstan. Photo: Al-Farabi Kazakh National University.
Archaeologists working in eastern Kazakhstan have uncovered the remains of a fortified settlement dating to the sixth and seventh centuries AD. The discoveries include defensive structures damaged by fire, traces of buildings and an unusual ceramic bird figurine.
The excavations were carried out by researchers from Al-Farabi Kazakh National University at the Kalzhyr archaeological site, located in the Zaysan Basin near the country’s border with China. Covering more than 25 hectares, the settlement is believed to date from the period of the First Turkic Khaganate.
According to an announcement from Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Science and Higher Education, archaeologists uncovered the remains of major fortifications in the southern part of the settlement. A substantial portion of these structures had been destroyed by fire, although the cause remains unknown.
The excavations also revealed earthen floors, plaster preserving traces of ornamentation, and fragments of structures made from reeds and clay.
Archaeological finds and radiocarbon analysis date the site to the sixth and seventh centuries. Researchers have tentatively linked its construction to the First Turkic Khaganate, which emerged as a major power across Central Asia during the sixth century.
Among the discoveries were charred grains of wheat and legumes, ceramic vessels and a rare ceramic bird figurine containing a rattle.
An earlier burial discovery
The expedition also uncovered a kereksur, a burial structure dating to the Late Bronze Age, considerably earlier than the medieval settlement.
“During the study, a Kereksur burial structure dating back to the Late Bronze Age was discovered,” said expedition leader Nikita Konstantinov of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. “This discovery expands our understanding of the western extent of these monuments, which primarily encompassed Xinjiang and Mongolia. The collected data will be used to develop digital models and a geographic information system for the region.”
The investigations are part of a wider project examining the archaeological landscapes of the Zaysan Basin, supported by Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Science and Higher Education. Researchers from D. Serikbayev East Kazakhstan Technical University and the A. Kh. Margulan Institute of Archaeology also participated.
Top Image: A ceramic bird figurine containing a rattle, discovered during excavations at the Kalzhyr settlement in eastern Kazakhstan. Photo: Al-Farabi Kazakh National University.
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