2026-10-20
Symposium on Archaeological Excavations, Research, and Archaeometry in the Turkic World Held
On 15–16 October 2026, Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University (KTMU) hosted the Symposium on Archaeological Excavations, Research, and Archaeometry in the Turkic World. The event was organized in collaboration with KTMU, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye, the Ministry of Culture, Information, Sports and Youth Policy of the Kyrgyz Republic, and the Institute of Turkish Archaeology and Cultural Heritage.
At the special opening session, chaired by Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan, Askaralı Madaminov, Deputy Minister of Culture, Information and Youth Policy of the Kyrgyz Republic, highlighted the role of scientific research in protecting archaeological sites and historical monuments. He also called for stronger partnerships among universities, museums, and public institutions. KTMU Rector Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan emphasized the need to study the shared history and cultural heritage of the Turkic world through scientific methods. Accurate documentation and interpretation of archaeological findings, their preservation for future generations, and the development of international research projects, publications, and fieldwork were among the priorities he outlined. Prof. Dr. Şaban Doğan, President of the Institute of Turkish Archaeology and Cultural Heritage, focused on institutional cooperation and knowledge sharing in archaeological research and heritage preservation, stressing the value of collaboration with scholars across the Turkic world. Prof. Dr. Abılabek Asankanov, Director of the B. Jamgerçinov Institute of History, Archaeology and Ethnology at the National Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic, highlighted how joint archaeological research can deepen understanding of Turkic history. He also addressed the need to expand archaeological studies in Kyrgyzstan, train qualified specialists, and establish an archaeological research center at Manas University.
Serkan Gedük, Deputy Head of the Museums Department at the General Directorate of Cultural Assets and Museums under Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, underscored the contribution of cultural heritage research to international scientific and cultural cooperation. He also emphasized the importance of sharing expertise in archaeological excavation and conservation. Nazgül Omurzakova, Director of the Kyrgyz National Historical Museum, highlighted museums’ role in making archaeological research accessible to the public. She noted that closer cooperation among museums, universities, and researchers strengthens efforts to preserve cultural heritage. Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Aşık, Chair of the Symposium Organizing Committee and Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, stressed the value of bringing archaeological research from different regions together on a shared scientific platform. He expressed hope that the symposium would foster scholarly exchange and inspire further collaborative research.
The symposium featured 83 papers from eight countries across 16 sessions. Discussions covered the archaeological heritage of the Turkic world, findings from excavations and surveys, current fieldwork, archaeometric methods, anthropology, and museology. Participants also examined approaches to the preservation, restoration, and conservation of cultural heritage. The event concluded with a closing ceremony attended by Nadir Alpaslan, Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye. On 17 October, participants visited the Ata-Beyit Memorial Complex, the ancient city of Burana, and the Kyrgyz National Historical Museum as part of a historical and cultural excursion.
