Taskeshu caravanserai: the field data of 2024

Abstract

This article presents the results of archaeological research conducted in 2024 at the Taskeshu caravanserai. In the mid – 13th century, with the formation of the Golden Horde state, nomads of various ethnic groups actively settled the lands of the Lower Volga river region and modern Western Kazakhstan. Numerous caravan routes connecting Europe and Asia passed through this region. One such route crossed the Sagyz River. A brick caravanserai was built on the riverbank, and a stone bridge was constructed across the river. Historically, it was known as Taskeshu. This name in Turkic languages means “stone ford”. The caravanserai is located 15.8 km southwest of the village of Kenbai, in the Kyzylkoginsky district of the Atyrau region. During archaeological excavations conducted from 2008 to 2020, nine rooms of this site were investigated. Excavations of the site were carried out in its southern and western parts. In 2024, the main excavations were conducted in the northern, southern, and eastern parts of the site. Fourteen rooms of the caravanserai were discovered.