More than 100 first-year students from the Faculty of History and Law at Abai University are conducting their field-study practice at the "Besmoynak" archaeological complex in the Almaty region. During the field practice, organized between May 25 and June 6, the future specialists, in collaboration with scientists from the A. Margulan Institute of Archaeology, commenced excavation work on Saka mounds dating back to the Early Iron Age.

Students from the "History" and "History and Social Sciences" educational programs are involved in this field practice. The key feature of this year's research is the direct collaboration between the students and a fundamental scientific institution. Under the guidance of leading archaeologists, students are researching ancient mounds from the Saka period, gaining the opportunity to integrate their theoretical knowledge with real-world field experience. Through this joint effort, students learn archaeological excavation techniques, artifact handling, and methods for determining the historical value of discoveries directly from experienced archaeologists.

The Besmoynak archaeological complex is one of the most significant monuments revealing the ancient history of the Zhetysu region. Along with the heritage of the Saka era, historical traces from later periods are also preserved here. There are more than 100 large and small burial mounds across the complex.

This season, the future historians are excavating and analyzing 3 burial mounds. Among them is a massive mound measuring approximately 35 meters in diameter. Valuable artifacts belonging to ordinary people and warriors of the ancient era were discovered during the excavations. By analyzing these finds from a scientific perspective, students are mastering the nuances of their profession through hands-on experience.

The head of the field practice, Candidate of Historical Sciences Daulet Abenov, emphasized the immense importance of this experience for future specialists:

- The university has provided all the necessary conditions for the youth, offering them full opportunities for practical development. Our students have thoroughly studied the theory in the classrooms, and now they are sharpening their professional skills as true historians and archaeologists, - he said.

This field practice is a mandatory component of the academic curriculum. Such archaeological expeditions aim to enhance the professional skills of future historians, provide practical mastery of archaeological research methods, and foster a deeper understanding of the country's historical and cultural heritage.

Abai University Media Center