Identification of narrative sources with archaeological data (medieval settlement Bytygay)

Abstract

The article discusses and analyzes historical information and archaeological data on historical and cultural monuments dating back to the Middle Ages and located in the Tengiz-Korgalzhin microdistrict. All archival sources are dominated by information about Bytygay. The functional purpose of the Bytygay2 monument has always caused discussion. Some scientists considered Bytygay a full-fledged medieval settlement, while others considered it a necropolis. Archaeological excavations carried out on the monument showed that in the vicinity of Bytygay, there are numerous caravanserais, the remains of mausoleums built from simple burnt and decorated bricks. During the 2021-2022 field seasons, entire production centers were identified, specialized heat engineering facilities designed for drying, firing bricks and melting glaze. The Bytygay monument seems to be a complex historical and cultural object, which includes a settlement, a necropolis and production centers. The lower date of Bytygay refers to the XIIXIII centuries. And new materials from the burial complexes raise the upper date of the monument to the XIV-XV centuries.

Keywords

• Middle Ages, urban culture, ancient settlement, NuraIshim interfluve, Jochi Ulus, Ulug Ulus, Bytygay, Historical map, archival documents, narrative sources