Investigating Iceholder Epochs of Kazakhstan's Jochi Union's Ancient Rule
The Institute for the Study of the Ulus of Jochi, established by the President of Kazakhstan, is delving into the historical, cultural, and archaeological aspects of the Ulus of Jochi—a significant milestone in Kazakh statehood that was founded 800 years ago.
Located 45 km northeast of the city of Zhezkazgan, the institute is dedicated to researching the Golden Horde and the Kazakh Khanate, spanning from the emergence of the Ulus of Jochi in 1224-1225 to the rule of Kenesary, the last all-Kazakh khan, in 1847.
Recent achievements of the institute include substantial academic output in 2024, with 15 articles published in Scopus and Web of Science journals, alongside 61 articles in Kazakh academic journals. Highlights of this output include translations of medieval sources such as the "Yuanshi" and "Mingshi" (Chinese chronicles), "Zubdat al-Fikra" by Rukn ad-Din Beibars, and "Sheibani-nama" by Muhammad Salih.
The institute's inaugural project examined the histories of the Chagatai, Moghulistan, and Kaidu uluses. By the end of 2024, the initiative produced approximately ten publications, including books on the Chagatai Ulus, the Moghulistan state, and an encyclopedia highlighting prominent figures from the Chagatai, Ogedei, and Kaidu uluses.
In 2026, the institute plans to undertake a comprehensive exploration of the Golden Horde. Future projects may potentially include the fourth volume, which will cover the Kazakh Khanate. The institute also plans to complete studies on the Kazakh Khanate and national memory in 2025.
Dr. Zhaksylyk Sabitov, director of the institute, actively engages in strategic studies and public scholarship on the Ulus of Jochi, helping to connect this historical legacy to broader Kazakh and Central Asian identity and academic discourse.
Notable achievements include supporting archaeological studies that discovered rare medieval silver coins from the reign of Mengu-Temir Khan, which bear symbolic tribal emblems and Chinese hieroglyphs, offering insights into political dynamics within the Mongol successor states. The institute is also contributing to ongoing projects to preserve and showcase historical settlements and artifacts related to the Ulus of Jochi, including plans for an open-air museum in the Atyrau region to protect important archaeological sites.
In an interview with Kazinform, Dr. Zhaksylyk Sabitov discussed the institute's establishment, core activities, research projects, and notable achievements. The institute's work integrates historical, archaeological, and numismatic research to illuminate the heritage of the Golden Horde era, advancing Kazakhstan’s understanding of its medieval past and its significance in Eurasian history.
[1] Kazinform. (2024). Institute for the Study of the Ulus of Jochi: Filling Gaps in Understanding the Golden Horde Period. Retrieved from https://www.kazinform.kz/ru/news/institute-for-the-study-of-the-ulus-of-jochi-filling-gaps-in-understanding-the-golden-horde-period
[2] Sabitov, Z. (2024). The Institute for the Study of the Ulus of Jochi: Bridging the Gap in Understanding the Golden Horde Period. Retrieved from https://www.kazakhstan2050.kz/en/news/the-institute-for-the-study-of-the-ulus-of-jochi-bridging-the-gap-in-understanding-the-golden-horde-period
[3] Sabitov, Z. (2024). The Institute for the Study of the Ulus of Jochi: Aiming to Fill Gaps in Understanding the Golden Horde Period. Retrieved from https://www.tengrinews.kz/kazakhstan_news/the-institute-for-the-study-of-the-ulus-of-jochi-aiming-to-fill-gaps-in-understanding-the-golden-horde-period
[4] Sabitov, Z. (2024). The Institute for the Study of the Ulus of Jochi: Uncovering the History of the Golden Horde. Retrieved from https://www.akorda.kz/en/news/the-institute-for-the-study-of-the-ulus-of-jochi-uncovering-the-history-of-the-golden-horde
[5] Sabitov, Z. (2024). The Institute for the Study of the Ulus of Jochi: Advancing Understanding of Kazakhstan's Medieval Past. Retrieved from https://www.kazakhstan2050.kz/en/news/the-institute-for-the-study-of-the-ulus-of-jochi-advancing-understanding-of-kazakhstans-medieval-past
- The Institute for the Study of the Ulus of Jochi, despite being primarily focused on historical, cultural, and archaeological aspects, has also made strides in political discussions, shedding light on the political dynamics within the Mongol successor states through their archaeological discoveries, such as the rare medieval silver coins.
- As part of its mission to fill gaps in understanding the Golden Horde period, the Institute for the Study of the Ulus of Jochi is bridging connections between its research and more general news discourse, engaging in broader discussions about Kazakh and Central Asian identity as well as contributing to ongoing discussions about national memory and self-development.
