Scientists and students of Kozybayev University conducted excavations at the Ak-Iriy settlement

Scientists and students of Kozybayev University have completed seasonal work at the archaeological excavation site of the ancient Ak-Iriy settlement in the far north of Kazakhstan. The expedition lasted 17 days and resulted in many interesting discoveries.

The settlement is located near the village of Dolmatovo in the North Kazakhstan region on a high triangular promontory. It was protected on three sides by 40-meter river cliffs, while the fourth side was separated by defensive ramparts, making it an impregnable fortress. Researchers believe the site was built for defensive, ritual, and economic purposes, and also functioned as a trade and border facility.

Archaeologists have been conducting research here for over 22 years, discovering numerous pieces of evidence of our ancestors' daily lives.

This year, scientists received the results of radiocarbon analysis for findings from the settlement, such as bones and charcoal. The examination was conducted at a dating laboratory in Vilnius (Lithuania). The C14 analysis — a radioactive carbon isotope used to determine the age of organic materials — confirmed that the site dates back to the Golden Horde period.

The Head of State has repeatedly emphasized that Kazakhstan is the direct successor to the nomadic civilization of the Great Steppe and that it is important for the global perception of the Golden Horde to be associated with Kazakhstan. In this regard, the Ak-Iriy settlement proves that during the Middle Ages, the territory of Northern Kazakhstan was densely populated and actively developing.

This unique ancient site was discovered in 1968 by the renowned North Kazakhstan archaeologist Anatoliy Pleshakov, who is now a professor at Kozybayev University.

The main findings of the excavations included furnace structures designed for metal smelting, which indicates advanced skills in metallurgical production technology. Smokehouses for preserving meat were also discovered. Archaeologists unearthed production areas containing fragments of burnt brick and metal slag, as well as the metal itself. In separate pits, well-preserved animal skeletons and fish bones were found.

By archaeological standards, the number of small artifacts is relatively low. This suggests that people left this place peacefully, taking their belongings with them. The reason for this remains unknown. Items found include household objects, bone remains, clay utensils, ceramics, arrowheads, and jewelry with anthropomorphic ornaments.

The archaeological expedition team included over 20 first-year university students. Schoolchildren and students frequently visit the excavation site for tours. This youth interest led scientists to consider creating a historical and tourist cluster at the site. A huge advantage is the accessible infrastructure, proximity to the city of Petropavlovsk, and the beautiful nature along the banks of the Ishim River. The project of creating an open-air museum is currently being developed.

Maria Chmir, a graduating student at Kozybayev University majoring in "History," presented this project to the Akim (Governor) of the North Kazakhstan region, Gaukhez Nurmagambetov:

"This object should become not just a place for academic practice, but an object of global scale. We have prepared a master plan for the area where we propose to conduct tours in a 'live excavation' format. Nowadays, people are more interested in watching real-time excavations than looking at exhibits in a museum. We also suggest organizing museum pavilions, an 'Iron Age Night' ethno-zone, and a reconstruction of an ancient observatory."

Notably, the Ak-Iriy settlement is listed among the sacred sites of Northern Kazakhstan.