Research, Documentation and Protection of Cultural Heritage

Sulaiman-Too, the sacred mountain rising above the city of Osh in southern Kyrgyzstan, represents one of the most significant cultural and spiritual landscapes of Central Asia. For centuries, it has formed a prominent landmark of the Fergana Valley and an important point of reference along routes passing through the Osh region. Its significance is connected not only with the history of the region, but also with a long tradition of ritual and pilgrimage activities in which pre-Islamic and Islamic traditions have become intertwined.

In 2009, Sulaiman-Too Sacred Mountain was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List under criteria (iii) and (vi). Its five peaks and slopes preserve an extensive complex of sacred places, caves with petroglyphs, historic routes and later religious monuments. UNESCO recognises the site as an exceptional testimony to the long-standing tradition of sacred mountain worship in Central Asia.

Cooperation with the Sulaiman-Too National Historical and Archaeological Museum Complex

CARS – Central Asian Research Society has established official cooperation with the Sulaiman-Too National Historical and Archaeological Museum Complex in Osh. The concluded agreement provides a framework for long-term cooperation in scientific research, documentation and the protection of cultural heritage.

The cooperation includes, in particular, joint archaeological, historical and environmental research, documentation and protection of heritage sites, field research and scientific expeditions, exchange of professional information and documentation, preparation of joint projects and grant applications, and cooperation in the preparation of scientific and popular-science publications.

Specific research activities will be carried out within individual projects and in accordance with the legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic. Fieldwork will be conducted in cooperation with representatives of the Sulaiman-Too Museum Complex and the relevant Kyrgyz institutions.

Long-Term Partnership

Cooperation at Sulaiman-Too is not conceived as a one-off project. CARS aims to develop long-term professional cooperation with its Kyrgyz partners that responds to the current needs of the site and combines scientific research, documentation, cultural heritage protection and the public presentation of research results.

Our aim is to contribute to a deeper understanding of this exceptional cultural landscape while supporting its responsible documentation, protection and preservation for future generations.