A new archaeological field season is about to begin for the Krasnoshchyokovskaya Archaeological Expedition of Altai State University, led by Professor Petr Dashkovsky, Doctor of Historical Sciences, and Head of the Department of Russian Regional Studies, National and State-Confessional Relations.

During this campaign, researchers plan to continue their study of funerary and memorial sites of ancient and medieval nomads of Altai in the Chineta Archaeological Microdistrict near the village of Chineta (Krasnoshchyokovsky District, Altai Krai).

Petr Dashkovsky commented on the upcoming expedition:

"This year, we will continue studying Pazyryk-period and Turkic-period sites at the Chineta-II and Khankharin Dol burial grounds. Last year's collaborative work with colleagues led by Mu Jinshan from Northwest University (Xi'an, China) produced good results. Last year, we examined several notable burials from the Scythian-Saka period, as well as one burial mound dating back to the Kyrgyz medieval culture. We also began the study of an elite Pazyryk burial mound, which we intend to excavate this season."

The cooperation between Altai State University and Northwest University (Xi'an) in researching archaeological sites in Altai rests on a memorandum of cooperation signed in 2024.

A joint archaeological center at Altai State University is planned to open in the near future.

"We hope to resolve the remaining formalities this year so that our archaeological collaboration can continue throughout the expedition," emphasized Professor Dashkovsky.

Furthermore, this season researchers will commence large-scale excavations for the first time on the right bank of the Inya River at the new Chineta-I site. Prior to this, for the past 25 years fieldwork concentrated in the valley on the opposite bank, where more than 110 sites spanning various historical periods—from the Afanasievo culture of the Eneolithic era to late medieval periods. Those investigations yielded numerous truly unique artifacts that comprehensively reflect the material and spiritual culture of the nomads, and also demonstrated their cultural ties with the ancient populations of China, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, and other regions.

As in previous seasons, Altai State University students majoring in Religious Studies and Russian Regional Studies will take part in the expedition. They will receive practical field training and participate in the Altai Summer Ethnocultural School."