Famous archaeologists of the world gathered in Ugra

What does the past say?

Why was Ugra chosen as the venue for a large-scale scientific event? This is a region with a rich, centuries-old history; for several centuries, Ugra has been the center of the development of various cultures and connections between peoples.

“Significant and extensive trade routes passed through Ugra,” said the deputy governor of the district, Elena Shumakova. “Therefore, it was very important for us that large-scale archaeological research was carried out in the region. These scientific research and the discussions that are now taking place at the sites of the Northern Archaeological Congress, allow us to draw conclusions that the culture of Ugra, Russia, and Eurasia has centuries-old connections. There are many similarities in the way of life and in the economic activities of the peoples who inhabited these lands. This year we have expanded our research in our region. these connections not only in the context of the Eurasian continent, but also with a special emphasis on the traceable unity with the history of the development of the peoples of the Arctic. It is very important for us that the two Arctic territories (Berezovsky and Beloyarsky regions) become part of Ugra this year. prim. row) have also been intensively studied. We know that these territories not only have powerful potential, they also have a rich historical past. And, of course, their history is closely intertwined with the history of Russia and the Arctic.”

Let us note: this year the congress of leading researchers of world archeology is being held for the sixth time and is dedicated to several major dates: the 300th anniversary of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the 430th anniversary of the founding of Surgut, the 100th anniversary of the Surgut region and the 100th anniversary of the birth of the outstanding Soviet archaeologist Vladimir Gening.

Living history

Scientists at the forum share their experiences, discuss the latest discoveries and achievements in the field of archaeology. In addition, they have the opportunity to get acquainted with the “living” unique archaeological monuments located in the district. This is the “Barsova Gora” tract in the Surgut region and the “Syrkovy Sor” territory in the Nefteyugansk region.

After all, Yugra is known not only as one of the main oil and gas producing regions of Russia, but also as one of the modern centers for the development of humanities. Thus, today the district is among the clear leaders in the country in identifying and registering archaeological monuments. This year alone, excavations of fourteen archaeological sites were carried out in the district. According to the State Protection Service of Cultural Heritage Sites of Ugra, from January to September alone, 61 historical sites were included in the list of newly identified objects. In total, more than 7.3 thousand cultural heritage sites are subject to state protection in the region.

“Such an interested, reverent attitude towards their own roots suggests that it is very important for Ugra residents what land they live on, it is important to know who their ancestors were, and ultimately this knowledge of the past is important for building the present, for the development of the region, this is a living history,” stated sociologist Dmitry Votorobin.

Contribution to science

As the participants note, the very idea of ​​holding an archaeological forum this year is associated with important scientific discoveries that change the understanding of northern cultures in the context of world history.

The main attention at the congress is paid to the interaction of the cultures of the North and South. Scientists discuss at plenary sessions, round tables, and there are eight scientific sections at the forum. An important part of the program was the discussion of issues of preserving archaeological heritage and popularizing archaeological monuments.

One of the key events is the round table “Ugra Archeology: Present and Future”. It was moderated by Georgy Vizgalov, leading researcher at the Center for Ugra Archeology and Ethnography of Surgut State University.

Oleg Kardash, head of the Center for Ugra Archeology and Ethnography at Surgut State University, spoke at the forum about the phenomenon of Ugra archeology, including the importance of preserving archaeological heritage and popularizing archaeological monuments. The Honored Scientist of Ugra emphasized that the research activities of archaeologists are aimed not only at the formation and innovative development of regional, but also Russian and even world archeology. In addition, the speaker stated the need to create a regional archaeological school. “I recently returned from an archaeological expedition that is taking place in Salekhard, where excavations are underway on the Obdorsky Hill. We discovered the Obdorsky fort, presumably from the 18th century, and a town from the 17th century. All this has been rolled under asphalt, and now we are trying to resolve the issue of preserving at least parts of the fortress wall. It is important for us to preserve the historical heritage!” – noted Oleg Kardash.

Mysteries of history

With particular pride, the outstanding archaeologist reported that the process of identifying objects of archaeological heritage in Ugra is proceeding at an intensive pace.

“In Ugra, more than 765 archaeological objects have been discovered over the past 30-35 years, but before the early 90s, before the industrial oil boom, only 800 archaeological objects were registered. And every year now their number is increasing,” the scientist emphasized.

According to the scientist, this fact is phenomenal and has scientific significance not only because in Ugra there are monuments with a frozen cultural layer.

Photo: Department of Internal Policy of the Government of Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug-Yugra

“These are monuments, both Russian and aboriginal, which have a lot of paleoecological information. A real phenomenon that deserves special study, because it is not entirely clear why mass settlement began in this territory and what this is connected with. Why was this territory filled with so many people? Moreover, the vast majority of these monuments, according to my personal observations, date back to early eras: the Mesolithic, Neolithic and Bronze Ages. Perhaps these archaeological monuments contain global and even planetary climate changes that are still relevant today, especially in Arctic cities.” , – Oleg Kardash focused the attention of those gathered at the forum on these mysterious details and facts.

The speeches of other scientists aroused no less keen interest among specialists in the field of archaeology, ethnography, and history. After all, there are still a lot of mysteries and unsolved pages in history.

It is no coincidence that as a result of the discussion, experts from Russian and international research centers, representatives of the district and city authorities summarized: answers to the identified questions require the unification of the entire academic community. And they suggested adding to the resolution a proposal to popularize archeology, especially among children and teenagers. After all, studying the past allows us to make correct and accurate decisions to build the present and future of all countries and peoples of the world.

“Archaeology is a science that helps to understand the indivisibility of the past and present, gives an idea of ​​common human values ​​and world culture,” said the Governor of Ugra Ruslan Kukharuk. “The forum has become a platform for the exchange of experience, innovations and opinions among scientists and researchers. I am sure that a high the scientific level of the presented reports and messages, their relevance will be of practical importance for the development of fundamental and applied research both for Ugra and for the entire North of Russia and Northern Eurasia as a whole. It is important for us not only to find and preserve archaeological monuments, but also to turn them into. public objects, preserve the diversity and originality of the historical and cultural heritage of the country’s regions.”

Reference

The organizers of the VI International Northern Archaeological Congress are the government of Ugra together with the Institute of History and Archeology of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Co-organizers: Surgut State University, Institute of Archeology and Ethnography of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Archeology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography named after Peter the Great (Kunstkamera) of the Russian Academy of Sciences.