2026 ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCH AT SARAYSHYK HAS BEEN COMPLETED
The medieval settlement of Sarayshyk is one of the most important archaeological monuments dating back to the Golden Horde period, distinguished by its rich history and exceptional archaeological significance. In 2026, another season of archaeological excavations was carried out at the ancient city. The research aimed to study the history of Sarayshyk, identify its cultural layers, and clarify the stages of the city’s formation and development.
Archaeological research at the Sarayshyk settlement in the Makhambet district of the Atyrau region was conducted from August 15 to September 8, 2026. The fieldwork was carried out in accordance with the 2026 work plan of the Atyrau Regional Museum of History and Local Lore.
The “ATM-AE” archaeological expedition was supervised by the Head of the museum, M. Kipiev, master of arts. The scientific director of the expedition was Marat Seitzhanuly Kasenov, senior research fellow of the archaeology research department and candidate of historical sciences. The archaeological team was led by Mir Koblanuly Abdigaliyev, senior research fellow of the same department and master of arts.
During the 2026 archaeological research, two excavation areas were designated, with a total excavated area of 430 square meters. Approximately 540 cubic meters of soil were removed during the fieldwork.
At excavation area No. 1, archaeologists continued the investigations begun in 2025, extending the excavation down to the lower cultural layers. As a result, two rooms and a courtyard with walls constructed of “pakhsa” (rammed clay) were uncovered. The excavation reached the lowest level of the cultural deposit and identified the natural ground layer, known as the sterile subsoil. Based on the findings, this construction layer has been dated to the first quarter of the 13th century.
At excavation area No. 2, several construction layers were investigated, revealing a well-preserved residential house and courtyard. The excavated structure dates to the 14th–15th centuries. The research also confirmed that no burial structures were present within this area.
During the archaeological excavations, numerous artifacts revealing the history of medieval Sarayshyk were discovered. These include fragments of ceramic vessels, pottery, glazed and engobed polychrome kashin ware, amulets made of bone and non-ferrous metals, as well as cast beads and beads made from semi-precious stones.
One of the most significant discoveries of the excavation season was the recovery of more than 15 copper and silver coins dating to the Golden Horde period. The coins, produced by coinage, bear Arabic inscriptions and floral ornaments. These artifacts represent an important source for studying Sarayshyk’s economic and cultural connections during the Golden Horde era.
The primary objective of the 2026 archaeological research was to continue the excavations initiated in previous years, investigate the cultural layers down to the natural ground level, and clarify the stages of the settlement’s development. As a result of this year’s fieldwork, new archaeological evidence related to the history of Sarayshyk in the 13th–15th centuries was obtained.
Every artifact discovered is a valuable historical record that carries the spirit of a bygone era. Archaeological research is an essential means of studying that history through scientific methods and preserving it for future generations
