As part of the 4th International Altaic Forum “The Slavic–Turkic World of The Greater Altai: History and Modernity”, leading experts from the Altai State University Research and Educational Center for Altaic and Turkic Studies “The Greater Altai” delivered several notable projects.
Unique Exhibition Project “The Enchanting Heritage of the Fergana Valley”
During a joint expedition, ethnographers and archaeologists from Russia, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan studied archaeological sites and ethnocultural traditions of the multiethnic Fergana Valley. The main goal was to assess both the tourism potential and the historical and cultural heritage of this region. The photographs presented showcase archaeological monuments from different eras, architectural landmarks, and the natural beauty of the valley. They also feature local bearers of cultural traditions: Uzbeks, Kyrgyz, Uyghurs, and Tajiks.
The photo exhibition “The Enchanting Heritage of the Fergana Valley” became a symbolic bridge between countries. It will continue to be displayed in educational and cultural institutions in Russia and Uzbekistan.
Presentation of Results from International Archaeological and Ethnographic Expeditions
This year, under the leadership of Professor Sergey Grushin, Department of Archaeology, Ethnography, and Museology, and Nikolai Seregin, Head of the Laboratory of Ancient and Medieval Archaeology of Eurasia, four expeditions were carried out across Altai Krai, the Altai Republic, and Kazakhstan. The focus was on cooperation in the study of early medieval archaeology. These international projects also provided valuable field training for students and young researchers.
Extensive material was collected, including numerous iron items, elements of weaponry such as armor plates, helmet fragments, arrowheads, knives, and daggers, as well as decorative clothing items. The finds are now housed at Altai State University and Pavlodar State University (Toraighyrov University), where they will soon be processed.
The archaeological season continues, with an upcoming international expedition to Kyrgyzstan, led by Professor Alexey Tishkin, Head of the Department of Archaeology, Ethnography, and Museology at ASU. For the first time, fieldwork will be conducted at previously surveyed sites.
In addition, the results of two international ethnographic expeditions were presented: “Ethnocultural Tourism: Fergana Heritage – 2025” in Uzbekistan and “The Greater Altai: Turkic Heritage – 2025” in the Altai Republic. The final stage of fieldwork in Kyrgyzstan lies ahead.
Presentation of the Updated Virtual Museum “The Greater Altai – Homeland of the Turks”
For several years, the collection of the Virtual Museum has been enriched with artifacts from museums in Russia and Central Asia, with the aim of uniting collections linked to Turkic heritage.
This year, the collection expaned significantly thanks to new exhibits from museums in Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. Currently, most 3D models are already accessible on the museum’s website, with a complete updated collection to be launched shortly.
Visitors can take an interactive journey through the history of Turkic civilization, exploring unique household items, weapons, jewelry, and ritual objects that have been digitized to preserve cultural heritage. The virtual platform allows users to examine artifacts in detail, read informational notes, and learn about the history of discoveries.
The updated version of the Virtual Museum offers a redesigned interface and enhanced functionality, making the user experience both engaging and informative. Interactive maps, chronological timelines, and thematic sections guide visitors through the rich historical material, providing a comprehensive view of Turkic culture and heritage.
The “Greater Altai – Homeland of the Turks” Virtual Museum has become a unique resource that integrates scholarly research with cutting-edge technology to preserve and promote cultural heritage.
Exhibition “The First Miners and Metallurgists of Altai: From the Bronze Age to Akinfiy Demidov”
Dedicated to the 300th anniversary of mining in Altai, this exhibition presents the main stages of metallurgical development in the region, starting with the earliest evidence of mining in the 4th millennium BC and continuing through the period of Russian settlement.
The exhibition was organized with the support of the “History of the Fatherland” Foundation and the Free Economic Society. The curator, Yaroslav Frolov, Director of the Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography of Altai, noted that the project is being implemented in stages.
The opening, held during Museum Night, featured the core of the exhibition — authentic artifacts — which will remain on display throughout the year. As part of the 4th International Altaic Forum and the 65th Russian Archaeological and Ethnographic Conference for Students and Young Scholars, materials for the mobile version of the exhibition were presented. This include replicas of artifacts and reconstructions of clothing elements, jewelry, and horse harnesses from the ASU Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography and the Altai State Museum of Local History.
In the future, the mobile exhibition will be displayed at various venues, including schools and local museums.