Abstract
Studies of Kolsai scientific detachment 2023 in Kegen district of Almaty region were conducted in the middle reaches of the Shelek river valley from the Taldy gorge (15 km west of Saty aul) to the Toraigyr ridge (near Algabas aul). Preliminary survey of the microdistrict on space images showed the presence of about 400 archaeological monuments (settlements and burial grounds), which seemed promising in terms of studying the culture of the ancient population of the Bronze Age and Early Iron Age. A physical and geographical characterization of the microdistrict was made and materials characterizing the living conditions and economic activities of the ancient population were obtained. The total area surveyed amounted to about 50 km². As a result of the reconnaissance, 84 archaeological monuments were documented, among which the field documentation on 10 ancient, medieval and New Age settlement sites and 74 burial sites of the Bronze Age, Early Iron Age of the Middle Ages and New Age was compiled. On the basis of previously conducted studies, a brief characterization of the main types of archaeological sites is given and the prospects for their study are presented.