From June 24 to July 3, 2026, a delegation of scientists from the R.B.Suleimenov Institute of Oriental Studies conducted a research visit to the Vatican.

The visit was carried out as part of the practical implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Institute of Oriental Studies and the Vatican Apostolic Library and the Vatican Apostolic Archive, as well as within the framework of the research project «The Early and Medieval History and Culture of the Turkic World Based on the Unique Materials of the Vatican».

During the visit, the delegation conducted comprehensive research in the collections of the Vatican Apostolic Library and the Vatican Apostolic Archive. The study focused on historical sources relating to the medieval history of the Turkic peoples, the eras of the Desht-i Kipchak and the Golden Horde, as well as the distinctive features of diplomatic and cultural relations between Turkic states and the Holy See.

Particular attention was devoted to archival materials concerning the unique monument of the Kipchak language, the «Codex Cumanicus», as well as to rare XIV century cartographic sources depicting Central Asia, the Caspian region and the urban centers of the Silk Road. The researchers identified archival references for a number of previously understudied documents of significant scholarly value, providing new opportunities for further analysis of the historical relations between Turkic states and Western Europe.

The findings substantially expand the source base of Kazakhstan’s historiography and lay the foundation for further fundamental research into the history and cultural heritage of the Turkic world through the unique primary sources preserved in the Vatican.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-vatican/press/news/details/1257273?lang=ru