Traditions of House Building in Kazakhstan:Archaeological Perspective on the Evolution of Dwellings

Research Article

Abstract

The article is devoted to a comprehensive study of the evolution of housing forms in the territory of Kazakhstan from the perspective of archaeological data covering the period from the Eneolithic to the late Middle Ages. The main attention is paid to the peculiarities of house-building traditions in different natural-geographical zones - steppe, foothill, mountainous and high-mountainous - with the analysis of constructive, technological, and functional characteristics of dwellings. The article traces the formation and development of various types of dwelling and household buildings: from ground and semi-ground structures of frame-pillar construction of the Bronze Age to log and stone buildings of the Final Bronze Age and Early Iron Age. Special attention is paid to regional archaeological complexes – settlements of Asy-I, Turgen-II, Tasbas, Kalakay, Talapty, as well as sites of Central Kazakhstan: Begazy, Atasu, Buguly-I, and others, where rich stratigraphic and architectural materials are revealed. On their basis, the construction technologies, internal layout, organisation of economic space, heating and storage systems, as well as traditions of choosing a place for settlement are analysed. It is established that already in the Late Bronze Age, the principles of dwelling zoning, stable roof forms, typology of hearths and sufas were formed, which was reflected in the later ethnographic architecture of Kazakhs. The issue of continuity of architectural forms and principles between ancient buildings and traditional dwellings of Kazakhs of the New Age, including types of winter dwellings (qystau), is also considered. The choice of location for settlements, the orientation of entrances, the methods of insulation and lighting of dwellings, and the types of building materials (wood, clay, stone, straw, reed) are closely linked to the climate, terrain, and economic specialisation of the population (agriculture, livestock householding, crafts). Archaeological and ethnographic parallels reveal the stability of building traditions determined by climate, resource environment and economic specialisation of the population. The materials of the article are relevant for the reconstruction of the everyday life of the ancient population of Kazakhstan, the analysis of economic models, and the social structure of society. The work contributes to the study of cultural continuity and local specifics of the architectural heritage of the Eurasian steppes.