TO A SCIENTIST, AN ARCHAEOLOGIST, A COLLEAGUE, A FRIEND, A TEACHER…

Abstract

The article examines the scientific heritage of the archaeologist Nurzhanov Arnabai, who made an invaluable contribution to the development of archaeology of Kazakhstan and Central Asia; the study of the history of medieval cities of Kazakhstan on the Great Silk Road; urbanization processes in the Great Steppe; the preservation of archaeological monuments. Arnabai Nurzhanov was distinguished by erudition and breadth of views, was a man with a firm character and an active life position. He was the head of field research of large expeditions in Kazakhstan and abroad. The circle of scientific interests of A. Nurzhanov is very broad and diverse: issues of the genesis and development of nomadism and urbanization; the evolution of specific and universal characteristics of the medieval urban culture of Jetysu; historical geography; problems of studying the Great Silk Road in the aspect of political, economic and cultural ties with the states of Eurasia, as well as priority areas of archaeology. A. Nurzhanov considered the opening of the palace complex on the Kulan settlement with unique terracotta and carved mud bricks of the VIII–X centuries to be a great achievement in archaeology. The excavations of the citadel and necropolis of Lower Barskhan, the settlements of Merki, Aspara and Kastek were also marked by significant success. The scientist's works represent a great heritage and a solid scientific foundation for the archaeology of the future.