The Institute of History and Regional Studies is actively developing important areas of the humanities, such as archaeology and the study of the historical and cultural heritage of Kyrgyzstan. The Department of Archaeology, Ethnology, Source Studies, and Historiography at the Jusup Balasagyn Kyrgyz National University trains specialists, conducts research throughout the country, and participates in international projects. In an interview with our publication VB.KG, the head of the department, Temirlan Charginov, shared information about the training of museum workers, the prospects of archaeology, and the importance of preserving historical memory, including regarding the Great Patriotic War.
- What are the main areas of work for the department?
- We focus on four key areas: archaeology, ethnology, source studies, and museology. Each of these areas requires unique methodologies and research traditions. A significant event for us was the first graduation of specialists in museology, which is unique for Kyrgyzstan, as there are no similar programs in other educational institutions. In the modern world, museums and exhibition centers need professionals who can work with collections, document materials, and organize exhibitions.
Additionally, we have opened a bachelor's program in archaeology, which did not exist either during the Soviet era or after the collapse of the USSR. This fills a staffing gap, as archaeology requires a systematic approach and practical training.
- Why is this training becoming necessary?
- Currently, archaeological expertise is a mandatory part of most construction projects. The presence or absence of a cultural layer can determine the fate of objects: whether construction can proceed, how safe it is, and what restrictions need to be considered. Previously, specialists were trained in Moscow, Leningrad (now St. Petersburg), and Novosibirsk, but now it is important to develop our own scientific school.
The number of qualified archaeologists in Kyrgyzstan is extremely limited, so the opening of programs to train new specialists is key to preserving our cultural heritage.
- How is the youth engaging in these fields?
- Interest in archaeology is increasing. In the master's and doctoral programs, there are students actively participating in scientific activities: they take part in field expeditions, study materials, and work in laboratories. However, archaeology is not only a scientific discipline but also fieldwork in challenging conditions. Psychological readiness and understanding of the real working conditions are important, as this is not a romance but real work with the earth.
- How archaeologically diverse is Kyrgyzstan?
- Kyrgyzstan is home to many monuments from various eras. The country is located at the crossroads of trade and cultural routes, which accounts for the diversity of archaeological cultures, ranging from the Paleolithic to the Middle Ages.
For example, according to old data, Paleolithic finds were dated to 800–850 thousand years ago. However, recent studies conducted at the Yutash-Sai site in the Batken region provided new dates. Sel-Unkur is another unique site that is undergoing international research.
It is important to note that in ancient times, there were no state borders, and stone industries spread over large distances, making monuments similar regardless of their location.
- What field research has been conducted in recent years?
- We actively collaborate with Russian scientific institutions, such as the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk State University, and Moscow University. For over ten years, we have been conducting joint research with French archaeologists, as well as with Czech specialists working in southern Kyrgyzstan.
One significant event in recent years has been the initiation of a state program for the study and passportization of deteriorating monuments, which has become the first project of its kind in the last thirty years.
For example, in the Kochkor district, baths of the hammam type dating back to the Karakhanid period were discovered — a very rare find for our country. Excavations of burial mounds from the early Iron Age and the Middle Ages were conducted in the Chui region. New exploratory work is also planned at Issyk-Kul. To date, only 5–6% of the country’s historical and cultural heritage has been studied, indicating a great potential.
- How are international and multidisciplinary studies conducted?
- A team from fifteen countries is working at the Sel-Unkur site. This format allows for the application of various research methods, including zoology, biology, paleontology, and traceology. We study not only artifacts but also the natural environment, climatic conditions, and the specifics of raw material processing, which helps to restore a more complete picture of the lives of ancient people.
- What are the real challenges of the archaeologist profession?
- It is a challenging profession, as field conditions can be extremely difficult: heat, cold, rain, and strong winds. All finds require careful documentation, as the excavation process can destroy the monument. Unlike treasure hunters, we create scientific reconstructions, documenting each layer, recording details, and creating drawings and models.
Thus, we form a documented history that existed before the advent of written sources.
- What methods are used to determine the age of finds?
- Radiocarbon analysis, thermoluminescence dating, and uranium series methods are primarily used. If there are organic materials, the analysis is faster and more accurate. If there is no organic matter, soil and mineral structure are studied. Modern laboratories allow for age determination with high precision.
- How is the memory of the Great Patriotic War preserved in Kyrgyzstan?
- Almost every district and village in the country has monuments dedicated to the victory over fascism and Nazism. This is one of the most enduring forms of memory. However, the level of their preservation depends on the specific location: in some places, monuments are well-maintained, monitored, and events are organized, while in others, they remain neglected, which depends on the material capabilities and responsibility of local authorities.
- How do the older generation and youth perceive the war?
- For the older generation, the memory of the war is very vivid. They grew up alongside veterans, heard memories in their families, and lived in a cultural environment where respect for victory and heroism was part of upbringing.
However, the youth perceive it differently. Modern values, globalization, and rapid changes in the information environment alter perceptions. Young people feel that history is distant, and they live with different interests, so the memory of the war takes a back seat. However, this is not indifference, but a need for a different language and forms of presenting information.
- What helps to maintain attention to this topic?
- First and foremost, museums and exhibitions. For example, the Historical Museum has created a quality reconstruction dedicated to Victory, with several concepts, one of which was developed with the participation of Turkish specialists. Despite changes, the museum has preserved materials about the war and the role of Kyrgyzstan in the overall victory. Such exhibitions are important as they present the war not as a set of dates but as part of the country’s history.
- What needs to be done to ensure that memory does not fade?
- It is necessary to strengthen human values and demonstrate the importance of intergenerational connections. It is important to explain to the youth that memory is not a formality but the foundation of society's self-perception. Discussions about youth being "disconnected" should not overshadow the main point: they need an accessible language to explain historical events. Museums, school programs, and public projects help maintain a connection with the past.
