Abstract
The presented article publishes an analysis of the archaeological materials of medieval cities, represented on the territory of Western Kazakhstan in the historical and topographic aspect. The study of urban culture in the Western region of Kazakhstan is one of the most relevant areas in Kazakh archaeology. Within the framework of this problem, a promising region for conducting comprehensive research is the basin of the Zhaiyk River, on the territories of which many monuments of historical and cultural heritage are recorded. The article presents a brief analysis of the emergence of urban centers and the features of urbanization processes during the Middle Ages, namely, changes in the topography of cities, the emergence of new structural elements. Trade, including international trade, often determined the life of a medieval city. Starting from the 10th century, cities began to form in the region as a result of the development of local, regional and international trade. In many ways, the life of the city, its well-being and prosperity depended on trade. These were cities that were not inferior in size to most medieval cities in Central Asia. An overview of written sources with information about cities and their location is provided. Attempts have been made to systematize the medieval cities of the Northeastern Caspian historical and geographical microdistrict.