The Role of the Russain Researchers of the 18th–19th centuries in Museification of Turkic Stone Sculptures of Kazakhstan

In the 2nd half of the 19th century, the activities of the Turkestan Circle of Archaeology Enthusiasts and the Imperial Russian Geographical Society played a significant role in the establishment of the first museums in Kazakhstan.The development of museology was influenced by the cultural policy of the Russian Empire.The first objects of study for Russian researchers who entered the Kazakh steppes were stone sculptures from the Turkic period.These monuments, being the most prominent and visually striking, became the first exhibits.The significance of these artifacts for historical science was recognized, along with a pressing need for their preservation and popularization.The aim of the study is demonstration of the transformation Turkic stone sculptures from natural landscape elements into full-fledged museum exhibits.Particular attention is given to the stages of museification of Turkic stone statues, from the earliest archaeological explorations and artifact collection in the 18 th century to the establishment of museums.The research applies chronological and historical-genetic methods, as well as source analysis and content analysis of documents for comparative purposes.Museums evolved from simple repositories into active centers for the preservation, study, popularization of archaeological findings and tools for educational engagement.