In a groundbreaking revelation, renowned researcher Zhaken Taimagambetov has unveiled the historic significance of Kazakhstan as a crossroads of primitive human migration. Speaking at the international conference "The Aral-Caspian Region in the History and Culture of Eurasia" in Aktobe, Taimagambetov, who serves as a professor and chief researcher at the National Museum of Kazakhstan, shed light on the pivotal role played by the region in the ancient migrational paths of early humans.
While Africa is widely recognized as the birthplace of the human race, with archaeological sites dating back over four million years, Taimagambetov's research indicates that Kazakhstan witnessed two waves of primitive human migration, with the first wave passing through its territory. He explained that when the Hindu Kush mountain range in the Himalayas was considerably lower, people traversed the Borykazgan and Tanirkazgan points to enter Kazakhstan. However, the subsequent rise of the Hindu Kush mountains due to tectonic movements rendered the region impassable, necessitating alternative routes for human migration.
Taimagambetov revealed that ancient sites dating back 700,000-800,000 years B.C. have been unearthed in Kazakhstan. The arid nature of much of the country's territory adds complexity to the research of these ancient sites, as there are minimal bone remains. The few bones that have been preserved are typically discovered in caves, highlighting their significance as repositories of invaluable archaeological information.
Leading three expeditions, Taimagambetov, and his team have made remarkable discoveries in the Karatau Range in southern Kazakhstan over the past four years. More than 80 caves have been uncovered, with bones found in one of these caves undergoing laboratory analysis. Notably, a human tooth dating back 48,000 years was discovered in a cave located in the Turkistan Region, further emphasizing the rich historical heritage embedded within Kazakhstan's landscapes.
Among the regions of great archaeological interest, the Aktobe region stands out. After more than a year of intensive research, Taimagambetov's team has discovered over 60 sites of primitive human habitation in the Mugalzhar mountains of Aktobe. It was in this region that ancient humans crafted their earliest rudimentary tools from quartzite. The archaeological sites in the area are easily accessible, strewn across the surface, with artifacts abundantly scattered around the Grotto Toleubulak. This particular site is renowned as the oldest shrine in Kazakhstan, boasting cave paintings dating back over 10,000 years.
The cave in the Aktobe region reveals an array of carved drawings with a depth of five centimeters and a diameter ranging from 15 to 25 centimeters. These petroglyphs feature depictions of hooves, mushrooms, as well as anthropomorphic and deep lines. Some researchers even suggest that these symbols might be the oldest on Earth. Recognizing the immense historical and cultural value of this site, Taimagambetov advocates for its preservation and development as a prominent tourist attraction. He proposes the establishment of a museum in the area, enabling visitors to experience and appreciate the ancient wonders firsthand.
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