Collections Storage and Registration Department

The Collection of the State Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve «Yezhelgi Taraz eskertkishteri»

               The establishment of the «Kone Taraz» Archaeological Park paved the way for the development of the museum collection to a new level. Since 2015, systematic efforts have been undertaken to expand and enhance the collection. Between 2011 and 2017, archaeological excavations at the Taraz settlement revealed several cultural layers, from which valuable artifacts were recovered, significantly increasing the scientific and historical importance of the museum collection.

              The museum-reserve’s archaeological collection constitutes a valuable heritage, encompassing unique objects made of metal, stone, bone, and glass, as well as a wide variety of ceramic items. Ancient craftsmen produced everyday utensils, decorative bricks, and clay water pipes, demonstrating the high technological level of their time. Jewelry, belt fittings, and medieval coins testify to the development of mining and metallurgy, as well as the flourishing trade relations. These artifacts provide clear evidence of a thriving craft industry and active commercial activity in Taraz. The city also housed special mints that issued coins on behalf of the rulers, indicating a high level of economic life. The development of crafts and science contributed to the growth and prosperity of urban culture. The majority of the museum-reserve’s archaeological heritage reflects the flourishing of Ancient Taraz in the 10th–12th centuries, situated along the Great Silk Road. The discovered artifacts demonstrate the advanced level of scientific knowledge, craftsmanship, and cultural development of that period. 

              Currently, the museum-reserve holds 4,144 registered items, of which 4,056 belong to the main collection and 88 to the scientific auxiliary collection. The items are classified into two scientific groups: archaeological – 2,242 items, and numismatic – 1,902 items.

              One of the primary areas of the museum’s work is the documentation and systematic cataloguing of artifacts. Today, in addition to maintaining records, the staff conducts regular inventory activities to ensure the preservation of the museum’s valuables. Furthermore, museum specialists use the collection to organize thematic exhibitions, video tours, and educational lectures, promoting the wide dissemination of historical heritage. The primary responsibility of the museum’s collections staff is to safeguard the museum’s treasures, maintain systematic records, continuously expand the collections, and conduct scientific research.

Chief Collections Keeper

              Aidana Besikbaevna Zhanbosynova was born on September 2, 1991, in the village of Qulan, T. Ryskulov District, Zhambyl Region. In 2012, she graduated from Al-Farabi Kazakh National University with a degree in Tourism. From 2012 to 2014, she worked at the State Institution «Museum of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan» as an inspector in the Department of Organization and Documentation, a highly qualified specialist. From 2014 to 2017, she served as a Collections Keeper in the sector for accounting of temporarily held exhibits at the Center for Collection Accounting and Preservation of the Republican State Treasury Enterprise «National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan». From 2017 to 2023, she held the position of Manager of the Archival Department at the PI «University Service Management» a subsidiary of Nazarbayev University). She currently serves as Chief Collections Keeper at the State Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve «Yezhelgi Taraz eskertkishteri».

Staff of the Collections Storage and Registration Department of the State Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve «Yezhelgi Taraz eskertkishteri»