THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL COMPLEX RAKHAT AND KAZAKH-CHINESE SCIENTIFIC COOPERATION: RESEARCH OUTCOMES AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVES

Abstract

Abstract. The article is based on materials obtained during the joint archaeological, scientific, and cultural activities carried out at the «Archaeological complex Rakhat» by the State Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve «Esik» in cooperation with Chinese research institutions, including Shaanxi Provincial Institute of Archaeology in Xi’an and Collaborative Research Center for Archaeology of the Silk Road, Shaanxi Province. The research materials include archaeological fieldwork data, reports of joint expeditions, documentation of excavated objects, museum records, photographic materials, scientific publications, and information related to exhibitions, seminars, conferences, documentary film, and other forms of Kazakh-Chinese cooperation within the framework of the «Belt and Road» Initiative.

The aim of this article is to analyze the development of cultural and scientific ties among the countries of the Great Silk Road through the experience of international cooperation in the study and preservation of archaeological heritage. Particular attention is given to Kazakhstan as one of the key regions of the historic Silk Road. Drawing on the example of joint Kazakhstan-Chinese research at the Rakhat archaeological complex, the article examines the potential of inter-state scientific cooperation in the field of archaeology. It demonstrates that joint research projects contribute to expanding knowledge of the historical and cultural heritage of Semirechye region, improving methods for the scientific study of archaeological sites, and strengthening cultural and humanitarian cooperation between Kazakhstan and China.