Shakarim University hosted a republican scientific conference “Historical and archaeological heritage of the Abay region: results of first research”
On February 27, 2026, the republican scientific conference “Historical and archaeological heritage of the Abay region: results of first research” was held at Shakarim University.
The conference was organized by Shakari University jointly with the Institute of Archeology named after A.Kh. Margulan within the framework of the program-targeted funding project BR 24992916 “Comprehensive historical and archaeological research of the Abay region”, implemented with the support of the Science Committee of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The main goal of the conference was to present to the scientific community the first results of comprehensive historical and archaeological research conducted in the Abay region, discuss new data and determine vectors for future scientific research.
The conference was attended by leading archaeologists and historians of the country, representatives of research centers and higher educational institutions. During the meeting, new scientific data obtained as a result of field and analytical studies in recent years were presented, and modern methods of studying and preserving archaeological heritage were discussed. In addition, promising directions for further study of ancient and medieval historical complexes of the region were identified.
Opening the republican conference, the rector of Shakarim University Duman Orynbekov, in his welcoming speech, paid special attention to the historical and archaeological potential of the Abay region. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of the rich historical heritage of the region and the importance of conducting scientific research.
“The Abay region is a region with a deep history, multifaceted cultural layers and a rich heritage of archaeological monuments. Thanks to field exploration, excavations and laboratory analytical work in recent years, unique data have been obtained and important scientific conclusions have been formed regarding the ancient and medieval periods. Today's conference is a significant platform for presenting the first results of these studies to the scientific community. This scientific initiative serves as a striking example of a fruitful partnership between Shkarim University and the Alkey Margulan Institute of Archeology. This is the intersection of science and education, experience and young research potential,” noted Duman Orynbekov.
The reports presented during the conference comprehensively examined the issues of identifying archaeological objects, analyzing their cultural and chronological features and scientific systematization of samples of material culture. The researchers emphasized the historical significance of the newly discovered artifacts, paying particular attention to their role in the socio-economic and cultural development of the region.
As part of the conference program, discussions were held on the introduction of archaeological materials into scientific circulation. There was also a presentation of historical and educational works:
“Fine art of the ancient inhabitants of the Kazakh Altai” - chief researcher at the Institute of Archeology named after A.Kh. Margulan, professor Zeinolla Samashuly;
“The economic calendar of the Kazakhs is a cultural phenomenon of the steppe” - head of the ethnoarchaeological research group at the Institute of Archeology named after A.Kh. Margulana Orynbay Oshanova;
“Kazakh-Qing relations in the era of Abylay Khan” (volume II) - teacher of the department of history faculty of Nanjing University (PRC) Bakyt Ezhenkhanuly.
The Republican Conference gave impetus to the systematic study of the historical and archaeological heritage of the Abay region and created conditions for the wide dissemination of scientific results. Scientific discussions and recommendations generated during the event contributed to identifying key directions for future research.
The Republican scientific conference, held at Shakarim University, became an important dialogue platform that strengthened ties in the scientific community and opened the way to studying the historical heritage of the Abay region from a new scientific perspective. This initiative will undoubtedly lay the foundation for a new stage of regional research and will make a significant contribution to the development of archeology in Kazakhstan.
