A cache of manuscripts and documents shedding light on the rich history of Kazakhstan has been unearthed in the United Kingdom, the Ministry of Culture and Information of Kazakhstan reported. This find comes as a result of a research expedition carried out by representatives of the National Center for Manuscripts and Rare Books, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan.
During their expedition to prominent libraries, archives, and research centers across London, Oxford, and Manchester, specialists from Kazakhstan obtained copies of 15 manuscripts and approximately 500 archival documents, all of which are intricately linked to the narrative of Kazakhstan's past.
Director of the National Center for Manuscripts and Rare Books, Zhandos Boldykov, emphasized the significance of this endeavor in enriching Kazakhstan's national archival collection. He expressed gratitude for the support extended by the Ministry of Culture and Information and the Embassy of Kazakhstan in the UK, highlighting the meticulous planning and coordination that preceded the two-month-long scientific expedition.
Among the notable discoveries is a manuscript of the Holy Qur'an found in Manchester. Dating back to the 10th to 12th centuries during the era of the Karakhan state, this Turkic translation closely resembles the language of the renowned "Kutadgu Bilig" translation by Yusuf Balasaguni, holding immense cultural and historical value within Turkic-Islamic culture.
Another manuscript uncovered is a medieval Arabic work focusing on bibliographic themes. Titled "Kitab Makalaat Ar-Rafiya FII OSUL Kommersant at-Tabiya" (The Highest Book of Articles on the Basics of Natural Science), it provides insights into the life and works of Abu Nasr al-Farabi, a prominent figure in Islamic scholarship. European researcher Karl Brockelman attested to the manuscript's connection with al-Farabi in his works, further solidifying its historical importance.
In the Bodleian Library of Oxford, Kazakhstani experts were intrigued by "Zeyn al-Ahbar," a book authored by the Persian historian Abu Sa'id 'Abd al-Hayy Gardizi in the 11th century. This manuscript encompasses the history of Persian kings, the life of Muhammad and the caliphate until 1032, as well as the history of Khorasan until 1041. It also delves into various subjects including science, religions, and the cultures of India, Turkic tribes of Asia, Russians, and Greeks, with excerpts having been utilized by V.V. Bartold in his seminal works on Central Asian history.
Looking ahead, collaboration between the National Center for Manuscripts and Rare Books and foreign scholars is on the horizon, as both parties plan to embark on joint research ventures exploring the intricacies of these manuscripts and other historical works.
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