TURKIC SITES OF THE TOBOLSK IRTYSH REGION: THE SAUSKAN YURTS

The article examines one of the Turkic sites of the Tobolsk Irtysh region — the Sauskans (Sauskan yurts), mentioned in a number of early written sources relating to the late medieval history of Western Siberia. It considers the history of the Sauskan yurts, the initial stage of which, based on written and oral sources, the authors attribute to the time no later than the mid-16th century. The advantageous geopolitical location of the settlement, located on a convenient trade route, gave an impetus, apparently, both for its foundation and further development. The results of the exploration work carried out on the site in 2021 and 2022 are described. The complex of objects found on the site is presented, testifying to the extensive trade relations of the inhabitants of the Sauskansky yurts. The data obtained demonstrate that the yurts’ inhabitants used in their everyday life not only goods from the domestic, Russian market, but were also actively involved in foreign trade relations. This is evidenced by products from Eastern and Western European markets. Despite the rather scanty written information about the economic activities of the inhabitants of the Sauskan yurts in the 19th century, the archaeological finds indicate that the settlement was a large trading center throughout its existence, as well as an important Muslim cultural and religious center. The authors note the need for further comprehensive historical and archaeological study of this site and the Turkic sites of the Tobolsk Irtysh region in general.