The Scientific Study of Historical and Cultural Monuments of the Syrdarya Region of Turkestan by Russian Scientists (XIX – early XX centuries)

The Turkestan region, which became part of the Russian Empire in 1865, was rich in historical and cultural monuments.Historical monuments of the Syrdarya region, one of the 3 regions in the administrative composition of the region, were distinguished by a combination of sedentary and nomadic cultural values.Arab and Persian travelers left extensive information about historical and cultural monuments on the territory of the region in the Middle Ages.But his professional study in a scientific context and work on objects in the state register were carried out during the period of the Russian Empire.Russian scientists were the first to take steps on the issues of systematization, classification and protection of types of historical monuments in this area.Russian scientists attached great importance to medieval Muslim architectural monuments.In this direction, for the first time they undertook a scientific description of the construction of a mausoleum built in honor of the authoritative medieval Sufi Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a minaret in the city of Sauran and other monuments.In addition, Russian scientists have shown great interest in studying historical and cultural sites in the Syrdarya region that have totemic and Sufi religious significance.Underground mosques were also important.One of these underground mosques was Kiluet in the Turkestan city.On the recommendation of scientists, the tsarist administration initiated measures for the first time to preserve and protect large historical and cultural monuments.The materials of Russian scientists left behind for the study of historical monuments have not lost their value to this day.In this article, based on archival and field research materials, the analysis of the main stages and results of the study by Russian scientists of historical and cultural monuments of the Syrdarya region of the Turkestan region is carried out.