Ancient communication routes of the Altai-Tarbagatai region

Abstract

The article examines ancient roads that passed through the eastern regions of Kazakhstan, including the Altai– Tarbagatai area, the Irtysh River basin, and adjacent territories. Particular attention is given to the ancient Bukhtarma route, the campaigns of Chinggis Khan associated with it, and the historical name of Lake Zaysan — Kyzylbas. It is argued that the historical name of Lake Zaysan (Kyzylbas) persisted until a relatively late period and changed only in the 17th century with the arrival of the Dzungars. According to “The Secret Chronicle”, the Naiman khan Buyruk was killed at this lake, Kyzylbas (Zaysan). The article also provides evidence that the caravan routes of the 18th–19th centuries represented a continuation of these ancient roads. It describes historical events that took place along these routes, including Timur’s campaign against Enge-Tore in Tarbagatai, as well as the routes of the Italian travelers Plano Carpini (1245–1246) and Guillaume de Rubruck (1252–1255). A comparison of Rubruck’s and Carpini’s itineraries shows that after Lake Alakol, their journeys followed two different paths. Comparison with the records of the English traveler Atkinson (1848) makes it possible to identify Rubruck’s route as passing through Tarbagatai. In addition, the paper discusses the route and stopping points of Zhymby zholy, still remembered in local oral tradition.