History - The Times Of Central Asia

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History Ancient Civilizations

Signs of Ancient Urban Culture Unearthed in Turkmenistan

Archaeological excavations in Dashoguz Velayat, Turkmenistan, have unearthed various artefacts that suggest the region had a flourishing urban culture in ancient times. Jugs, the remains of clay water conduits and shards of terracotta domestic wares have indicated sophisticated development in the art of pottery. In addition, on the territory of the current Kunyaurgench reserve, jugs for chigir - used for raising water -and a wheel with buckets were found. Presumably, chigir was also used to water city gardens and parks, indicating a developed agricultural industry. Experts suggest that chigir irrigation in Khorezm existed in the 5th-6th centuries AD, and was actively used to water high-lying lands. It is quite possible that in the city, there were workshops for producing clay jugs for chigir, which were in demand not only in Khorezm itself, but also in other regions, where they may have been sent for sale along the Great Silk Road. Artifacts found during excavations give reason to assume that potters of that time were not only busy making various dishes, but gradually mastered the production of clay products for other purposes, such as pipes for water conduits, architectural elements for the external and internal decoration of buildings, and clay interior decorations.

Social Nazarbayev History

Nursultan Nazarbayev Stripped of Academy of Sciences Membership

News that the first president of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev, has been stripped of his status as a member of the Academy of Sciences of Kazakhstan, was announced by Minister of Science and Higher Education, Sayasat Nurbek. Nurbek explained that in 2023, Kazakhstan's current president, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, decided to create a new Academy of Sciences with just nine members and in the process, 'reset' the status of former academy members. Nursultan Nazarbayev was awarded the status of academician of the Academy of Sciences of Kazakhstan in 1995 and in 2011, whilst participating in a scientific forum at the academy, received the honourable title of “Scientist of the Century.” The loss of his membership of the academy is the most recent example of Nazarbayev's fall from grace. In July last year, he was deprived of his position as head of the supreme board of trustees of autonomous educational organizations. Then, this spring, a waxwork of the first president, installed six years ago in the State Military History Museum of the Armed Forces of Kazakhstan in Astana, disappeared. Previously, the monument to Nursultan Nazarbayev, inaugurated on his 80th birthday in 2020, was dismantled from the territory of the National Defense University in Astana, in tandem with the removal of another memorial to the man from the National Museum.

History

Ruins of a Sixth-Century Castle Discovered in Tajikistan

Archaeologists have found the ruins of an ancient castle in the Tajik city of Penjikent, the National Museum of Tajikistan has reported on its social networks. The ruins were found by an archeology specialist from the museum, Muhsin Bobomulloyev. The castle likely consisted of two floors, the first made from wood, the second constructed from raw bricks. “The historical period corresponds to the VI-VIII centuries, the castle was destroyed and burned because of the invasion of foreigners. Ashes and traces of soot on the walls of the memorial corridor are proof of this,” the museum says. Also, small objects – copper and silver coins, rings, and ornaments -- have been uncovered. The museum plans to add the castle to the register of historical and cultural monuments in Tajikistan. “The work does not end there: in July-August of this year, Tajik archaeologists will conduct additional research on the monument together with specialists of the State Hermitage of Russia,” the museum adds.

Uzbekistan Legislation Social History Stalin Supreme Court

Uzbekistan’s Supreme Court Vacates Convictions of 198 Victims of Stalinist Repressions

On May 6, the criminal trial panel of the Supreme Court of Uzbekistan considered 11 criminal cases involving 198 people who were unjustly punished by court verdicts over the period of 1930–1938, according to the press services of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Among those acquitted are high-ranking officials who held positions in the judicial system. Most of them were sentenced to death or long-term imprisonment with confiscation of property according to verdicts handed down by the Criminal Trial Committee of the Supreme Court of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on June 21, 1930. The vacating of those convictions was carried out according to a decree issued by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev dated October 8, 2020, titled “On further study of the legacy of repression victims and additional measures to perpetuate their memory." In order to ensure the implementation of the decree, a working group at the republican level was established to further study the legacy of repression victims, as well as organizing and coordinating the work of perpetuating their memory. After the approval of that “road map” for clearing the names of the victims of repression and perpetuating their memory, the scope of research on identifying victims was expanded, and officials were given the opportunity to use the departmental archives of ministries and agencies. Over the course of its efforts, the working group identified 1,031 people who were repressed during the Soviet-era, who subsequently had their convictions vacated.

Women History

Great Women in the History of the Kyrgyz Republic

Nestled in the heart of Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan boasts a rich tapestry of history woven by extraordinary women who have played pivotal roles in shaping the nation. From political pioneers to cultural icons, these women have left an indelible mark on the nation. To mark International Women’s Day, we remember some great women in the history of Kyrgyzstan, acknowledging their contribution and enduring impact. Kurmanjan Datka[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="15382" img_size="full" el_class="scond-image" parallax_scroll="no" woodmart_inline="no"][vc_column_text woodmart_inline="no" text_larger="no"]Photo: Carl Gustav Mannerheim Known as the "Queen of the South," Kurmanjan Datka, the “Tsaritsa of Alai” was a courageous and noble woman who was not afraid to break with tradition. An important politician, in the second half of the eighteen century Kurmanjan ruled over the region wisely. Seeking both compromise and fighting for the rights of her people, she played a crucial role in unifying the Kyrgyz tribes during a tumultuous period, when her leadership and diplomacy skills were instrumental in maintaining peace. Aside from Kurmanjan, no other woman has ever been honored with the title "Datka" - meaning "general" - in the history of Kyrgyzstan. Kurmanjan was the only woman to rule over the Kyrgyz nation. Recognized as the "mother of the nation," 2011 was declared the year of Kurmanjan Datka in the Republic, where her face adorns banknotes. Olga Manuilova[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="15302" img_size="full" el_class="scond-image" parallax_scroll="no" woodmart_inline="no"][vc_column_text woodmart_inline="no" text_larger="no"]Photo: ilgeri.kg Olga Manuilova's contributions were valued highly by the Government of the Kyrgyz SSR, which in 1954 recognized her with the prestigious title, People's Artist of the Kyrgyz SSR. In acknowledgment of her outstanding work, she was also honored with many other awards, including the Order of the Red Banner of Labor, the Badge of Honor, and the medal For Valorous Labor. Additionally, Manuilova received commendations in the form of diplomas from the Supreme Soviet of the Republic. Among her notable creations were artistic masterpieces such as "Builders of the Great Chui Canal," "In Aid of the Front" from 1942, and a monument to General Panfilov, which entwined her work with the fate of the nation. These remarkable works earned Manuilova the distinguished title of "Honored Art Worker of the Kyrgyz SSR." This recognition underscored the significant impact of her artistic endeavors and highlighted her exceptional role in contributing to the cultural and artistic heritage of Kyrgyzstan. In 1973, a main belt asteroid was named after her. Urkuya Salieva[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="15305" img_size="full" el_class="scond-image" parallax_scroll="no" woodmart_inline="no"][vc_column_text woodmart_inline="no" text_larger="no"]Illustration: limon.kg At the age of just seventeen, in 1927 Salieva became the secretary of her local Komsomol cell in the Osh Oblast, indicating her early inclination towards political activism. The following year, she defied societal expectations by assuming the role of chairperson for the council of her birth village of Murkut. Displaying exceptional leadership, Salieva was elected chairperson of the Kyzyl-Asker collective farm despite opposition from affluent individuals who underestimated her ability to navigate the challenges of this role. Showing devotion to her people, Salieva worked tirelessly to surpass all expectations, securing a seat on the Central Executive Committee of the Kyrgyz...

Women History

Great Women in the History of Kazakhstan

Women have played an important role in the history of Kazakhstan, making a significant contribution to the development of the country. They have shown courage, determination and talent in various walks of life, from politics and education to culture. Today, their role is being recognized, and women in Kazakhstan are becoming more aware of their actions than ever before. "I have always been inspired by our women, the women of the great steppe," Karina from Taraz told TCA, "especially in the field of culture, because at that time, such professions were considered solely for men. Thanks to them, we now have the opportunity not only to work in such professions, but also to become respected individuals." "Because of them, I have the opportunity to become whatever I want to be," Alina from Astana told TCA. "Their talent and drive has given freedom to the next generation." Today, on International Women's Day, we take a look at some of the outstanding women whose lives have had a fundamental impact on the course of the nation's history. Tomyris[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="15001" img_size="full" el_class="scond-image" parallax_scroll="no" woodmart_inline="no"][vc_column_text woodmart_inline="no" text_larger="no"]A still from the movie, "Tomyris" The name of Tomyris, the Queen of the Massagetes, is well-known in the culture of Kazakhstan, and is a source of pride and inspiration for Kazakhstani women. Queen Tomyris fought the mighty Persian king, Cyrus the Great, demonstrating her military prowess and intransigence. Tomyris won the battle, in which most of the Persian Army was destroyed. According to a legend, she placed Cyrus’ head in a wine fur filled with blood, saying: "You thirsted for blood, king of the Persians, so drink it now to your heart's content." Thus, Tomyris brought peace to her people. Nazipa Kul zhanova[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="15002" img_size="full" el_class="scond-image" parallax_scroll="no" woodmart_inline="no"][vc_column_text woodmart_inline="no" text_larger="no"]Photo: kaznu.kz Nazipa Kul zhanova was the first accredited female teacher in Kazakhstan and the first female journalist on the editorial staff of Yenbekshi Kazakh (Working Kazakh). An educator, ethnographer and translator, she became the preeminent specialist in the preparation of the Kazakh alphabet. Among other things, her philosophical articles addressed the role of a woman's place in public life and in the family. A proponent of the importance of education and the active participation of women in the progress and development society, Kulzhanova stated that "A woman is the mother of the people. Only an educated, skillful, free woman is able to raise her people to the level of advanced nations." Nagima Arykova[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="15003" img_size="full" el_class="scond-image" parallax_scroll="no" woodmart_inline="no"][vc_column_text woodmart_inline="no" text_larger="no"]Photo: Rate.kz Nagima Arykova was an outstanding woman stateswoman and one of the leading lights of the women's movement in Kazakhstan. She was the author of "The Role of a Woman Commissioner" and "The Struggle for the Rights of Working Women in Kazakhstan." Arykova was the editor of the newspaper Kazakh capital, and was the first woman to become a leading member of the government of Kazakhstan. Manshuk Mametova[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="15004" img_size="full" el_class="scond-image" parallax_scroll="no" woodmart_inline="no"][vc_column_text woodmart_inline="no" text_larger="no"]Photo: pochta-polevaya.ru Manshuk Mametova was a machine-gunner during the Second World War and...