Museum Lecture on 鈥淪aka Monuments Found in the Vicinity of Almaty鈥�
Today, as part of the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals “Partnership” and “Quality Education,” representatives of the department participated in an in-depth museum lecture titled “Saka Monuments Found in the Vicinity of Almaty,” organized by the Almaty Museums Association. The lecture was delivered by the association’s senior researcher, experienced archaeologist Marat Mugalovich Nurpeisov. He provided an extensive overview of the archaeological study of the Saka period and the scholarly significance of the monuments discovered in the region.
The event was attended by active members of the “Mädeniet kz” club of the Department of Religious Studies and Cultural Studies, students of the 1st to 3rd years majoring in Islamic Studies and Cultural Studies, as well as faculty members: S.E. Kudaibergenov, A.A. Aytenova, M.B. Alikbayeva, N.S. Altaeva, and A.N. Kuderina. It was noted that such gatherings not only expand students’ theoretical knowledge but also bring them closer to the museum and academic environment.
During the lecture, the archaeological monuments of the Saka era, their structure, cultural characteristics, and worldview aspects were thoroughly explained. Particular attention was given to the system of burial mounds located around Almaty, the methods of their construction, burial practices, indicators of social status, and the valuable artifacts uncovered within these complexes. It was emphasized that these materials reflect the level of social organization of ancient tribes, their aesthetic preferences, and their symbolic worldview. The lecturer explained that the construction of the mounds took into account the terrain, natural orientations, and cosmological beliefs, while the items discovered—weaponry, jewelry, household objects, and ritual items—serve as clear evidence of the social stratification and worldview of Saka society. In addition, scientific interpretations concerning the historical and spiritual continuity of these artifacts with modern Kazakh culture were presented, sparking keen interest among the students. Nurpeisov characterized the burial mounds not merely as interment structures but as a complex cultural phenomenon reflecting the worldview, power structures, and attitudes toward nature held by ancient communities.
The gold ornaments, zoomorphic designs typical of the “animal style,” household implements, and ritual objects found in the mounds highlight not only the aesthetic sensibilities of Saka tribes but also the features of their symbolic thinking. The mythological motifs and stylized animal elements convey notions about the forces of nature, totemic beliefs, and the ancient understanding of the world’s tripartite structure. These material remnants make it possible to reconstruct the spiritual world of ancient tribes, their social relations, and their modes of perceiving reality. It was underscored that such artifacts constitute a valuable source for understanding the cultural roots and spiritual continuity of the modern Kazakh people.
To develop students’ practical skills, a quest-style activity was organized during the event, in which participants completed tasks aimed at exploring the museum space. This format strengthened their abilities to analyze historical and cultural objects and to work collaboratively.
Such scholarly and educational events foster students’ research-oriented thinking and deepen their interest in national historical and cultural heritage. Moreover, the partnership between the museum and the university once again demonstrated its importance in implementing the humanitarian dimensions of sustainable development. These engagements undeniably help shape the professional outlook of future specialists and further strengthen their motivation for archaeological and cultural studies.
