ATYRAU – The Atyrau broadcast television branch of the Kazakhstan television company presented the documentary, “From the Khazars to Kazakhs,” dedicated to the history of the region, on the eve of Kazakhstan’s Independence Day.
The original 10-episode documentary was the result of a 30-day historical and cultural expedition taken by the Kazakhstan company and scientists from the Atyrau H. Dosmukhamedov State University. The trip was supported by the administration of the Atyrau oblast.
The crew, headed by Director of the Regional Branch of Kazakhstan TV Askar Ashimov, explored Kainar, Donyztau, Karashungil and Imankara in the Zhylyoi district; nomad encampments in Taskeshu in the Makat district; the historic sites Alpy-ana, Tukti-ata, Zholayshagyl and Korgansha in the Kyzylkogin district and the Sarayshyk settlement and the tomb of Khan Tukymy in the Makhambet district. Among the crew were experts from the Chief State Inspectorate for Protection of Cultural and Historical Heritage Galymzhan Iskakov and Dr. Marat Kassenov.
There are 313 cultural and historical monuments in the official register of the Atyrau region, but the experts say there are actually many more.
“The project has the goal of drawing the attention of the public and interested agencies to the rich historical heritage of the region, which still has many secrets,” said Deputy Oblast Akim (Governor) Shyngys Mukan at the presentation of the film. He added that during work in the Inder district, the expedition found the remains of a woman wearing the clothing and decoration of the Sarmatians era. Ashimov directed the film, which was the brainchild of his deputy, Nazarbek Kosshiyev. Each episode is devoted to a separate site in need of state attention and preservation. The film is the first such project in the region and the country as a whole, and may end up being used as teaching materials for students as well as educational entertainment.
