Bernshtam A. N. Architectural Monuments of Kyrgyzstan

Bernsham in the Popularization of the Epic "Manas"

During the celebration of the glorious anniversary of the 1000th anniversary of the epic "Manas," one cannot help but recall the scholars who made significant contributions to the study of this masterpiece of world culture. Among such scholars is A.N. Bernsham - a prominent archaeologist, historian, and orientalist.

Since the early 1930s, A.N. Bernsham has linked his scientific activity with the history and archaeology of Central and Middle Asia.

For over 20 years, he has conducted archaeological research in the territory of Kyrgyzstan, leading expeditions in Semirechye, Tian Shan-Alai, Pamir-Fergana, and others. As a result of these archaeological works, a vast amount of material was obtained, which allowed for the first time to shed light on many questions of the history and culture of Kyrgyzstan from ancient times to the late Middle Ages. Many of his conclusions and works remain foundational to this day.

Prominent works by A.N. Bernsham in the historiography of Kyrgyzstan include "Kenkol Burial Ground," "Archaeological Outline of Northern Kyrgyzstan," "Historical and Cultural Past of Northern Kyrgyzstan Based on Materials from the Large Chui Canal," "Social and Economic Structure of the Orkhon-Yenisei Turks of the 6th-8th Centuries," "Architectural Monuments of Kyrgyzstan," "Outline of the History of the Huns," "Historical and Archaeological Essays on Central Tian Shan and Pamir-Alai," and many others. Several of his articles are dedicated to the heroic epic "Manas." It would not be an exaggeration to say that he was among the first to thoroughly examine the epic "Manas" as a historical source.

Based on epic material, A.N. Bernsham addresses many questions regarding the history and culture of the Kyrgyz people, such as the time of the epic's emergence, the origins of the Kyrgyz, their role among other Turkic-speaking peoples of Central Asia, and the struggle of the Kyrgyz for their independence. He offers explanations for the name Manas, identifying the legendary Manas and his companions with real historical prototypes of the past, and so on.

Although not all of A.N. Bernsham's hypotheses have stood the test of time, his contributions to the study of the epic are evident.

Archaeologist A.N. Bernsham was the first to comprehensively reflect in his works the archaeological monuments and memorial sites associated with the name of Manas.

Explaining this phenomenon using the example of the tomb of Manas, he writes: "Forgetting the true reasons that brought this structure to life, the Kyrgyz associated it (as well as the remnants of the past in Talas and throughout Kyrgyzstan - our relaxation) with the legendary Manas, embodying the symbol of the heroic struggle for independence.

A.N. Bernsham is credited with popularizing the epic "Manas" among broad segments of the population. He has published numerous articles in periodicals in which the epic is presented as an inexhaustible source of history and culture of the Kyrgyz people. In particular, he was one of the first, if not the first, to propose to celebrate the date of the 1100th anniversary of the existence of the epic "Manas".

It is significant that during the celebration of the 1000th anniversary of the epic "Manas," a collection of articles dedicated to the memory of A.N. Bernsham is being published. This edition is a tribute to the achievements of a scholar who dedicated his life to the study of the history and archaeology of Kyrgyzstan. The articles provide a vivid representation of both A.N. Bernsham's substantial contribution to the study of the history and culture of the region and the further development of these issues by contemporary researchers.

Bernsham A. N. Architectural Monuments of Kyrgyzstan.

A. Asankanov - Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor, Director of the Scientific and Propaganda Coordination Business Project "Myras."