China and Turkey to help with excavation of archaeological findings

Scientists from China and Turkey will help to excavate two archaeological findings located on the territory of Kochkor district, Naryn region. Senior lecturer of the Department of Archeology and Ethnology of the Kyrgyz National University Orozbek Soltobayev said today at a press conference.

According to him, ancient structures and settlement on the territory of Kochkor district were discovered 30 years ago, but due to lack of funds, domestic scientists could not excavate them.

«This is the medieval settlement Kochkor-Bashy preliminary area of ​​which is 35 hectares, and underground kumbez (tomb). It is located 2.5 kilometers from the ancient settlement,» the scientist said.

As he noted, according to preliminary data, archaeological findings belong to the era of the 11^th century Karakhanids.

«Since the moment of gaining independence, the state has never allocated money for archaeological excavations, museum studies, we always find money from outside,» another participant of the conference, professor of the Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University Kubatbek Tabaldiev said.

According to him, excavations are conducted with the help of the international organization of Turkey TIKA, and the Ministries of Culture of the two countries — Kyrgyzstan and China — signed an agreement according to which in the next six years Chinese scientists will help with the excavation of the ancient settlement Kochkor-Bashy.

«Within the framework of China One Belt -OneRoad project, they promised to conduct a full excavation of the historical monument. We will make it together with the Dunhua Institute. On our part, during the signing of the agreement, we announced the need to fulfill several requirements: to apply modern methods for research, to not bring artifacts to Bishkek, but to create conditions for storage on the ground, to solve the personnel question, because there are very few archaeologists in the country,» Orozbek Soltobayev said.

As the scientists noted, at present, the excavations are fenced and taken under protection. It is carried out by several local residents and a district policeman.