House-building in the Towns of the Lower Syrdarya River Region: A Historical Perspective
Darmenov R.
30 June 2025Margulan Institute of Archaeology
Kazakhstan Archeology
2025#28Issue 211 - 25 pp.
This article examines the evolution of domestic architectural traditions in the lower Syrdarya region, beginning from the Late Bronze Age. Particular attention is paid to the use of mudbrick in residential and burial complexes associated with the Shirik-Rabat and Zhetyasar archaeological cultures. A new type of ground-level dwelling, formed in this region and widely spread in the town-planning of Central Asia and Kazakhstan since the 2nd century BC, was revealed. The characteristic features of the “Zhetyasar” type of dwelling are described, including the layout with a central corridor or courtyard, as well as the interior decoration with sufas and hearths. The importance of this type of dwelling in the evolution of traditional architecture of the region up to the 19th century is emphasised. Archaeological evidence indicates the predominance of permanent settlement structures among the ancient population of Southern Kazakhstan, challenging the prevailing notion of their exclusively nomadic lifestyle. The residential and auxiliary buildings exhibit traits typical of Central Asian architecture, adapted to the local climatic and cultural context.
dwelling , house-building , proto-city , Shirik-Rabat , sufa , Syrdarya , Zhetyasar culture
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National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Astana, Kazakhstan
National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan
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