Summary
Russian scientists conducted pioneering research on historical and cultural monuments in the Syrdarya region of Turkestan during the late 19th to early 20th centuries, marking a significant milestone in the systematization, classification, and protection of such sites. Their work, which included detailed scientific descriptions of notable structures like the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawiand the minaret in Sauran, laid foundational principles for monument preservation that remain relevant today. The study also highlighted the region's unique blend of sedentary and nomadic cultural values, as well as its totemic and Sufi religious significance, including underground mosques like Kiluet. Archival and field research revealed that these scientists' recommendations influenced early conservation efforts under tsarist administration, underscoring their enduring contribution to heritage studies.
Citation
(Ed.). (2024). The Scientific Study of Historical and Cultural Monuments of the Syrdarya Region of Turkestan by Russian Scientists (XIX – early XX centuries). Bylye Gody, 19(3). https://doi.org/10.13187/bg.2024.3.1337