Archival documents from Iran shed
light on previously unknown pages of Kazakhstan's history. Medieval materials
were showcased at the National Center of Manuscripts and Rare Books. During an
expedition to Iran, domestic researchers discovered 50 valuable manuscripts, 12
of which have been brought to the country. In foreign archives, they found
unique data about the lives of prominent figures of the Great Steppe, from
Genghis Khan to Kassym Khan. Historians say that while these facts were already
known, there were no reliable documents substantiating them. They believe that
these materials will help fill the historical gaps.
“For example, the historical work
‘Ahsan al-Tawarikh’, written by Hasan Beg Rumlu in the 16th century, contains
information about Kassym Khan, the chronology of events, and his complete
family tree. It also includes valuable facts about Genghis Khan. This data has
not been found in any other books. Additionally, the work provides materials
about Haknazar Khan,” said Almat Absalikov, chief expert at the National Center
of Manuscripts and Rare Books.
The documents will now be
translated and introduced into scientific circulation. It is noteworthy that
Kazakhstan and Iran have been cooperating in this direction for many years.
Earlier, Iran conducted nine specialized courses for domestic scientists on the
study of manuscripts. Another course, focusing on the restoration and
calligraphy of manuscripts, will be organized soon.
“Iran has extensive experience in
manuscript restoration and we are ready to share it with Kazakhstan. We assist
the Kazakh people in preserving and finding forgotten or lost historical
treasures. Also, during a special event, we will present another collection of
manuscripts as a gift to the National Center. We are confident that the
cultural and spiritual ties between the two countries will continue to develop
and strengthen,” said Ali Akbar Talebi Matin, Cultural Counselor of the Iranian
Embassy in Kazakhstan.
It bears noting that the valuable
data was obtained as part of the ‘Archive-2025’ project. This research program
aims to identify, acquire, and digitize materials related to the history of
Kazakhstan that are found outside the country.
