New evidence of ancient history and the priceless cultural heritage of the nation

ArmInfo. On the 26^th of November, specialists and researchers from the National administration wrote a new, vibrant page in the annals of national culture. As part of the large-scale effort to preserve and promote the rich national heritage, ceremonies were held to hand over archaeological finds to the State museum of the State cultural centre of Turkmenistan in Ashgabat and the Arkadag Museum of history and local lore. 

This was a clear demonstration of the successful implementation of state policy in science and culture under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, initiated by Hero-Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and aimed at in-depth study of the glorious past of the Turkmen people. 

Exhibitions dedicated to the history of Turkmenistan, which were displayed in museums to mark these significant events, added particular significance to the events. In accordance with the «State program for 2022–2028 for the Careful preservation, protection, and Study of National historical and Cultural heritage sites, and attracting tourists», scientific research and restoration work were conducted at historical-cultural monuments across the country during the spring and fall of this year.

Specialists and researchers from the National administration for the protection, study, and restoration of historical-cultural monuments, the State historical and cultural reserves, and the Institute of history and Archaeology of the Academy of sciences of Turkmenistan conducted extensive scientific research, excavations, and fortification and restoration work at the relevant sites.

Interesting and important information was collected, shedding light on national history and the way of life of our ancestors.

Thus, the corresponding works were carried out on the Paryz-Depe monument, which is located in the Gokdepe etrap, in the Mane baba mausoleum, the medieval Juma-mosque in the Ancient Abiverd fortress, the Juma-mosque of the medieval settlement of Dehistan, on the «Kerwensaraý» monument, located on the territory of the Dashoguz velayat, in the Ancient Amul fortress, in the Dayahatyn caravansaray, located along the Amul-Horezm branch of the Great Silk Road, in the Akjagala caravansaray in the Mary velayat.

In particular, thanks to this work, the scientific community has provided reliable data confirming the fact that, alongside science and culture, craft production and trade also developed dynamically in medieval Turkmen cities.

Among the more than three hundred archaeological finds donated to museums today are a horse figurine, pottery, a metal stepladder, an arrowhead, tools, and other objects discovered over the years at such world-famous sites as Old Nisa, Altyn-depe, Namazga-Depe, Yylgynly-depe, Gara-depe, Paryz-depe, and other ancient settlements in the Ahal velayat. 

Of particular interest is a ceramic vessel from the Chalcolithic (Copper-stone age) found in Paryz-depe and restored by Turkmen restorers, which is evidence of the flourishing of the famous «Anev culture» in this ancient settlement.

Archaeological finds from the classical period were also donated to museums. Among them is a silver coin (drahma) depicting Alexander the Great, found near the Pulhatyn Bridge architectural monument in the Sarahs district. Experts believe this coin may shed light on certain aspects of the legendary commander's campaign. 

Built by sarahs artisans during the seljuk epoch, the «Pulhatyn» bridge was of significant trade, economic, and military-strategic significance in its time, serving as a remarkable testimony to the high level of urban planning achieved by Turkmen masters. This five-arched stone bridge is believed to have existed since ancient times, but acquired its current appearance after major renovations in 1896. 

Among the finds are magnificent architectural decorations discovered by archaeologists at various times in the Old Nisa fortress. The inclusion of this monument – an open-air museum – on the UNESCO World Heritage List testifies to the worldwide recognition of the exceptional value of this site of the historical and cultural heritage of the Turkmen people.

During the artifact transfer ceremonies, participants, speaking about the results of the research, noted the importance of the discoveries made in Turkmenistan in the context of the history of human civilisation.

As was emphasised, the impressive results of archaeological expeditions in our country allow the international community to objectively assess the historical path of the Turkmen people, become acquainted with their national and cultural identity, traditions, customs, and way of life, and deeply appreciate the invaluable contribution of our people to global scientific and cultural progress.

In particular, the scientists are focusing on the study of cities and settlements located along the Great Silk Road, such as Anev, Abiverd, Sarahs, Amul, Dehistan, and Shahrislam. These settlements are also widely known because they are mentioned numerous times in ancient written sources.

Speakers emphasised that the artifacts donated to museums, discovered during seasonal fieldwork, are of exceptional importance for understanding the early stages of civilisational development in Turkmenistan.

As noted, the motto of 2025, «International year of peace and trust», reflects the contemporary development of the Fatherland, based on centuries-old historical experience, cultural traditions, the rich spiritual heritage, and universal human values of the nation.

To successfully address the challenges associated with preserving historical, cultural, and natural sites, including their maintenance, protection, restoration, and widespread international promotion, our country has adopted a number of relevant regulatory documents. These include the Laws «On the protection of National historical-cultural heritage sites», «On museums and museum affairs», «On the protection, export, and import of movable property of the national historical-cultural heritage», and others.

Today, specialists at the National administration for the protection, study, and restoration of historical and cultural monuments are planning steps to restore and conduct scientific research on many historical sites in the regions of the country. Several international joint archaeological expeditions are working in Turkmenistan, the purpose of which is to preserve and restore historical monuments.

Particular emphasis was placed on the museumification of architectural masterpieces and other cultural treasures, and on improving the computerisation of artifact records using innovative technologies and high-tech methods for determining the authenticity and age of art and cultural objects, widely used in the global practice of museology, art history, and archaeology in the 21^st century.

Turkmenistan places great importance on the study and museumification of artifacts. This is evidenced by the modern museums built in white-marble Ashgabat and the regional centres, which meet the highest standards, as well as the regular holding of international scientific conferences in our country dedicated to the study of the glorious history and cultural heritage of the Turkmen people.

Thanks to the systematic work in this area, initiated and led by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and targeted measures implemented in Turkmenistan to further develop the legal framework for the state protection of unique cultural heritage, the condition of hundreds of archaeological and architectural monuments is being studied and monitored in all regions.

At the same time, in order to promptly publish the scientific data collected in recent years, pass it on to future generations, and familiarise domestic and foreign specialists and scholars with it, specialised works have been published: «Antiquities of Turkmenistan», «The Architectural Heritage of Koneurgench», «Historical-cultural monuments of Ancient Merv», «Parthian fortresses of Nisa», and others. Furthermore, the State register of national historical-cultural heritage sites of the country has been published in book form.

To familiarise the international scientific community with the materials collected during the research, the National Administration of Turkmenistan for the Protection, Study, and Restoration of Historical and Cultural Monuments has prepared the third edition of the specialized international scientific collection «Traces of centuries».

Participants in the celebrations expressed their deep gratitude to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov for creating all the necessary conditions for the development of archaeological science and museum studies.

In this way, the ceremonies of handing over rare finds to the State museum of the State cultural centre of Turkmenistan in Ashgabat and the Arkadag Museum of history and local lore in the year of the widespread celebration of the 30^th anniversary of the neutrality of Fatherland became a symbol of the inseparable connection between times and the responsibility of the current generation for preserving the unique heritage of their ancestors.