The Archives of Central Asia
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In 2019, the International Institute for Central Asian Studies (IICAS) launched
an online database of unpublished archaeological documents. A significant
amount of archaeological research in Uzbekistan is being carried out in the
west of the country - on the territory of ancient Khorezm. The corresponding
archaeological data is stored in the archives of the Karakalpak Scientific
Research Institute of Humanities of the Karakalpak Branch of the Academy of
Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan (KNIIGN).
The database of the Archives of Central Asia website has been
replenished with information about the contents of this priceless archive. It
gives an idea of the work of the famous Khorezm archaeological and
ethnographic expedition, and later, and of individual archaeologists of
Karakalpakstan after the expedition was discontinued. Reports from the middle
and the end of the 20th century reveal the history of excavations
and efforts made by archaeologists to preserve hundreds of monuments, some of
which, unfortunately, can no longer be found on the contemporary maps. By the
way, the preserved monuments of Karakalpakstan and Khorezm have been given close
attention by the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan in view of their
prospective inscription to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
These are the initial materials that shaped the basis for world-famous
publications on excavations at Mizdakhan, Ayaz-kala, Toprak-kala, Khorezm and
Shavat, Khumbuz-tepe, Aybuir-kala, Koy-Krylgan-kala, Ustyurt, as well as many
other thousand-year old sites.
Apart from the data on the sites, the files reveal the history of
selfless archaeologists who work with enthusiasm and uncompromising attitude in
the most difficult conditions, and who have passed on the rich fruits of their
hard work to archaeological science.
The KNIIGN data on the archive is just another step towards the creation
of a large-scale database of unpublished scientific materials from the Central Asian
region - a convenient and simple tool for researchers, a platform for
scientists and academic institutions.
(Copies of documents are published with the permission of KNIIGN and are
protected by copyright)
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