AI aids research into Turkic history in Kyrgyzstan

An international team of archaeologists working in Kyrgyzstan discovered a stone statue from the Turkic period while conducting research.

The expedition, organized by the scientific and educational center “Great Altai” at Altai State University, focused on studying stone statues and monuments from the Turkic era. Professor Alexey Tishkin led the researchers, who are working to research, preserve, and popularize the historical and cultural heritage of Turkic peoples.

Researchers employed photogrammetry to create digital models of archaeological objects, making them accessible through a virtual museum. They also used artificial intelligence to analyze images on the stone statues, revealing details not visible to the naked eye. This year, the center conducted five expeditions across Altai Krai, the Republic of Altai, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan, unearthing artifacts like burial remains, iron axes, and miniature stone enclosures.

The “Great Altai” center is expanding its international collaborations, currently working with approximately 70 universities from Central Asia and Russia. They have established a program for Kyrgyz teachers in partnership with Kyrgyz National University and held a history competition for schoolchildren in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. The center intends to broaden research, promote archaeological tourism, and continue digitizing historical monuments in the future.