Kyrgyzstan: Saving Archaeological Sites

Introduction

Archaeological sites play a significant role in the spiritual and intellectual development of any society. This is the case in Kyrgyzstan where there are great many historical and archaeological sites, representing periods from the Stone Age onwards, that contribute to the country’s heritage. However, public perceptions of the past and objects from the past are often seen as “old things” with little connection to contemporary society. There are insufficient laws, organizations, and communication to help protect the country’s cultural patrimony and as a result many sites have been destroyed and many more are in danger of being lost as a result of privatization of national lands, looting, and commercialization of the past. Although progress is being made with respect to public understanding and appreciation of the past, organizational infrastructure to help facilitate inventory, site monitoring, conservation, and certification have a long way to go.

Key Issues

The public...