Astana, May 19, 2026 – the opening ceremony of the International Symposium "The Golden Horde as a Model of Steppe Civilization: History, Archaeology, Culture, Identity" took place in Astana, with the participation of the Head of State of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

This large-scale international forum, held on May 19-20 under the patronage of UNESCO, brings together leading domestic and foreign scientists, experts, and representatives of the international scientific community for a comprehensive analysis of the historical heritage of the Ulus of Jochi (the Golden Horde) and its role in shaping civilizational processes across Central Eurasia.

The goal of the symposium is to position the Republic of Kazakhstan as a leading international center for studying the heritage of the Golden Horde, as well as to demonstrate the country's scientific potential in the field of Central Eurasian civilization research through a comprehensive, multidisciplinary analysis of the political, economic, cultural, and spiritual heritage of the Ulus of Jochi (the Golden Horde) and by determining its significance for modern integration processes in Eurasia.

Within the framework of the symposium, a thematic exhibition dedicated to the heritage of the Golden Horde as a model of steppe civilization is also presented. The exposition includes archaeological, written, and cultural artifacts.

The structure of the exhibition covers key thematic sections: state and power, steppe fashion and clothing, military affairs, the interaction of steppe and urban civilizations, culture, science, and art. Special attention is paid to an interactive map featuring 70 archaeological and architectural monuments, 17 of which are presented with detailed descriptions, aerial photographs, and 3D visualizations.

Welcoming remarks were also delivered by Lazare Eloundou, Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre and Acting Assistant Director-General for Culture of UNESCO; Arslan Koichiev, State Secretary of the Kyrgyz Republic; Irada Ayupova, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Tatarstan; Audrey Azoulay, President of the «La France s'engage» foundation; Sodnosambuu Demberel, President of the Mongolian Academy of Sciences; Shavkat Ayupov, President of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan; as well as Ilnur Mirgaliev, Head of the M.A. Usmanov Center for Research on the Golden Horde and Tatar Khanates of the Sh. Marjani Institute of History of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Tatarstan.

During the symposium, special attention is paid to the ethnopolitical history of the Golden Horde, the contemporary significance of its heritage, perspectives for further research, material and spiritual cultural heritage, written and oral sources, as well as civilizational interaction along the Great Silk Road.

Within the framework of the forum, it is planned to hold specialized scientific sessions dedicated to interdisciplinary research on the historical and cultural heritage of the Golden Horde, archaeological discoveries, and the formation of historical memory and identity.

One of the key outcomes of the international forum was the adoption of the Astana Declaration on the Heritage of the Golden Horde, aimed at developing international scientific cooperation, consolidating research initiatives, and strengthening interaction between scientific centers and the expert community of various countries.

Hosting the International Symposium in Kazakhstan contributes to further strengthening the country's international prestige as one of the leading centers for studying the history and heritage of Central Asia, expanding scientific dialogue, and promoting an objective study of historical processes that played a significant role in shaping Eurasian civilization.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-dubai/press/news/details/1231939?lang=ru