Ancient and medieval urbanization of the Talas Valley
Akymbek Y.
31 March 2025Margulan Institute of Archaeology
Kazakhstan Archeology
2025#27Issue 1100 - 125 pp.
The article examines the processes of urbanization in the Talas Valley during antiquity and the Middle Ages. The region was one of the key areas in the genesis of urbanization in Central Asia. The author analyzes the development of settlements and towns based on archaeological and historical sources, covering the period from the Kangju era (1st century AD) to the Mongol Empire (15th century). Particular attention is paid to four stages of urbanization: the first stage (1st–5th centuries AD) – the emergence of the first settlements associated with the Kangju culture; the second stage (6th–9th centuries) – the flourishing of urbanization during the Turkic Khaganates, with the development of trade and crafts; the third stage (10th–12th centuries) – the cultural and economic rise of towns during the Karakhanid era; and the fourth stage (13th–15th centuries) – changes in urban structure under the Mongol Empire and the Timurid state. The author identifies key features of urbanization at each stage, including architectural, economic, and social aspects. The influence of geographical and cultural factors on the formation of urban centers is also considered. The stages of urbanization are clarified based on the analysis of C14 samples taken from archaeological sites. The results of the study provide a better understanding of the historical role of the Talas Valley in the system of cultural and economic ties in Central Asia, as well as the significance of urbanization for the development of regional societies.
ancient era , Kangju period , Karakhanid and Mongol periods , Middle Ages , settlement , Talas valley , town , Turkic khaganates , urban culture , urbanization
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Margulan Institute of Archaeology, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Margulan Institute of Archaeology
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