Archaeological expedition in Dzhankent

From the 1st of August to the 15th of September, 2018, in Dzhankent (Kazalinsk district, Kyzylorda region, Republic of Kazakhstan) there was hosted an international archaeological expedition under direction of Irina Arzhantseva. Excavations were carried out in frames of the project “Nomad state formation and urbanization on the northern Silk Road: The early medieval town of Dzhankent (Aral Sea region, Kazakhstan)” funded by the German research society (DFG).

Dzhankent – the ancient settlement of 7th–11th centuries in the Delta of Syr-Darya. It is mentioned in several medieval written sources that connect this city with the history of Oguz. The study of the site is conducted using complex natural science methods – geophysics, geomorphology, archaeozoology, soil science. Employees and students of Moscow state University, University of Tübingen (Germany) and Korkyt-Ata State University of Kyzyl-Orda took part in the field season of 2018. The. The work was carried out on four excavation-sites (a citadel, walls, and residential areas). An interesting archaeological material was found: ceramics, small metal products, fragments of glass vessels, beads, coins.