Reference. Zinyakov N. M., Savelyeva T. V. Paleoeconomics of Medieval Towns of the Ili Valley VIII-XIV cc. (According to Archaeological Sources). Almaty, 2020. 520 p., ill. (in Kazakh, Russian, English)

Abstract

In the domestic archeology of Kazakhstan, the study of the medieval city stood out as a separate scientific direction. The medieval town as a more developed social structure played a prominent role in the development of the Steppe civilization. The monographic work "Paleoeconomics of medieval cities of Ili valley VIII-XIV centuries" is devoted to unconventional topic, almost not considered not only in domestic, but also in foreign medieval studies. The work is based on archaeological materials of medieval cities of Ili valley of North-Eastern Zhetysu-Semirechye and South Kazakhstan, where the medieval city as a more developed social structure played a prominent role in the development of the Steppe civilization.

The paper presents the technology of the most important branches of urban crafts: the production of ceramics, glass, and the processing of ferrous and nonferrous metals, demonstrating a high level of knowledge in this area. The products of artisans played a major role in the development of the economy. The prevailing role of craftsmen in the development of the economy is depicted. In general, craft production, regardless of its profile, compared with domestic crafts, has common characteristics: a more developed technical base, perfect production technology, high quality products, a wide range of goods and standardization of products.

The location of most cities on the routes of the Great Silk Road further stimulated the development of handicraft production, the products of which were a potential commodity in international trade.