AP23486716 Sign system and tamgas of the Kazakhs of Altai

Head of work:

Samashev Samat Kairollaevich (PhD)

ResearcherID JCO-7937-2023 

ORCID 0000-0003-3450-3629

Scopus Author ID 58089837200

The project is aimed at a comprehensive interdisciplinary study of tamga-like signs and symbols of the Altai Kazakhs. When implementing the project, the research team relies on the results of archaeological and ethnographic expeditions of the East Kazakhstan region, as well as modern achievements of historical science. The project includes the search for archaeological sites with symbols and signs that date back to the beginning of the 18th century and are located on the territory of the Kazakh, Russian, Mongolian and Chinese Altai. Also within the framework of the project, the identification and documentation of tamgas that have been preserved in the ethnographic environment of the Kazakhs inhabiting this region is carried out. The identified tamgas will be analyzed and introduced into scientific circulation. Along with field research, it is planned to systematize data, initiate the preservation, popularization and dissemination of tamgas and symbols, which are considered an integral part of the cultural heritage of our people. Conducting research within the walls of the Berel State Historical and Cultural Reserve-Museum, situated in the Katonkaragai district of East Kazakhstan, is crucial and effective. This institution is strategically positioned near the habitats of Kazakhs in the Russian, Mongolian, and Chinese Altai, making it an ideal base for organizing field expeditions. It provides a gateway to integrate collected information into academic circles by comparing it with data held by local Kazakhs. Moreover, as the majority of staff are local residents, they have direct engagement in researching and promoting their history. The Altai has always been a historic dwelling place for Kazakhs, often regarded as the "Golden Cradle of the Turkic World" in scientific circles. Presently, the "Altai Territory" encompasses vast geographic regions, including the East Kazakhstan Region, Xinjiang-Altai region of China, the bordering Altai region of Russia, and the Kobdinsky and Bayan-Olgiy districts of Mongolia. Information from open sources on the internet indicates significant populations of Altai Kazakhs in these areas: approximately 90% in Mongolia, around 50.5% in China, and roughly 50% in East Kazakhstan. This underscores that the primary data regarding symbols pertaining to Altai Kazakhs lie outside Kazakhstan's borders. Given the geopolitical tensions affecting Altai Kazakhs today, the comprehensive interdisciplinary study of their symbols remains highly relevant.