Department of Ethnography

The Department of Ethnography is one of the oldest scientific divisions, established in 1959 within the Karakalpak branch of the Academy of Sciences of the Uzbek SSR. Its creation is connected with the organization of the N. Davkaraev Institute of History, Language and Literature, which became an important platform for studying the cultural and historical heritage of the region. Since its foundation, the department, initially formed as a department of archaeology and ethnography, has been an integral part of the institute. This has allowed efforts to be focused on the systematic study of ethnographic aspects of the Karakalpak people’s life, which, in turn, has contributed to deepening the scientific understanding of the cultural, social, and historical characteristics of this ethnic group.

In 1969, the ethnography sector was established as an independent unit, which contributed to deeper research and the development of scientific potential. During this period, active efforts began to train local scientific personnel. One of the first researchers to successfully defend a candidate’s dissertation was U. Shalekenov with his work “The Life and Culture of Collective Farm Peasants in the Chimbay District” (1953). Other significant figures in the development of ethnographic science included L.S. Tolstova, who defended her dissertation on “The Karakalpaks of the Fergana Valley” (1955), Kh. Yesbergenov, who focused his research on the elimination of religious beliefs and rituals among the Karakalpaks (1963), A.T. Bekmuratova, who defended her dissertation on “The Family and Household Structure of the Karakalpaks in the Past and the Tasks of Overcoming its Harmful Remnants” (1967), A. Utemisov, who studied the life and culture of fishermen in the Southern Aral Sea (late 19th – 1960s) (1970), and T. Atamuratov, who defended his dissertation on “Folk Traditions and Their Transformation in the Urban Life of the Karakalpaks: (Based on Family Rituals of Residents in the Cities of Nukus, Chimbay, and Beruni) ” (1976). These studies became important milestones in understanding cultural transformations and changes in traditional practices, as well as contributing to a practical understanding of the region’s cultural characteristics.

Since the early 1990s, there has been a significant surge in ethnographic research, resulting from changes in the country’s socio-economic and cultural landscape. This period was marked not only by political transformations but also by the intensification of scientific activity, which contributed to a new phase in the study of the cultural heritage and traditions of the region’s peoples.

A key event that fostered the growth of ethnographic research was the establishment of a Specialized Council for Dissertation Defense. This allowed young scientists to defend their work, facilitated the formation of a scientific community, and increased interest in ethnography as a discipline.  Over the past decades, 14 ethnography specialists have been trained, including 2 who hold doctoral degrees.

In 2023, the Ethnography Department staff organized a republican conference dedicated to the 90th anniversary of the birth of H. Yesbergenov, an outstanding Karakalpak scientist, Honored Scientist, and Candidate of Historical Sciences. This event served not only as a tribute to his contributions to the development of science but also as an important platform for discussing current issues in the fields of ethnography and history. H. Yesbergenov left a profound impact on the scientific community through his extensive research covering crucial aspects of Karakalpak culture and history. His works have become the foundation for further research and have inspired an entire generation of scientists.

Department Focus: The primary research direction of the department is centered on a comprehensive study of the history, culture, traditions, and customs of the peoples of Karakalpakstan, which shape the unique identity of these peoples. Special attention is given to issues of cultural interaction, allowing for the identification of commonalities and distinctions among various ethnic groups within the region.

The main objectives in implementing the scientific direction:

Organizing expeditions to collect information on traditions and customs of the peoples of Karakalpakstan;

Recording oral histories, songs, and rituals to preserve cultural heritage;

Examining historical documents and materials to understand the evolution of cultural practices;

Comparing cultural aspects of various ethnic groups residing in Karakalpakstan to identify common patterns and unique characteristics.

Projects implemented in the department:

The department continues to actively conduct research on key aspects of ethnology, which allows for a deeper understanding of cultural, social, and historical processes occurring in society. In particular,

From 2012 to 2013, an applied research project titled “Female Images in Karakalpak Mythology” was carried out. This study yielded significant results, including the identification of key mythological figures and archetypes, as well as an analysis of the changing dynamics in the status and functions of female cults.

In 2014-2015, department staff worked on the innovative project “Karakalpak Costume.” The work involved analyzing the main trends in the development of traditional Karakalpak costume, providing a comprehensive characterization of the materials and technologies used in its production. Additionally, the composition of the costume was analyzed and classified by material, key elements of the costume ensemble were identified, and its evolution was traced.

In 2017-2019, an applied project titled “Islam among Karakalpaks” was conducted, which revealed the role of Islam and its institutions in the social and cultural life of the Karakalpak people.

From 2021 to 2023, department staff were engaged in the fundamental project “The Impact of the Aral Sea Ecological Crisis and Globalization on the Traditional Culture of the Karakalpaks.” The study demonstrated how the ecological crisis affecting the Southern Aral Sea region influenced the traditional culture of the Karakalpak ethnic group, uncovering the results of cultural practices transformation under crisis conditions and identifying the most affected areas of traditional culture.

In 2024, the project “Social Aspects of Cultural Development in Karakalpakstan during the Soviet and Post-Soviet Periods” was developed. The study focused on the social aspects of cultural development, revealing how social changes influenced the cultural practices of the region’s population.

The department’s prospective research direction for the next six years will be the fundamental project “Transformation of Family Rituals of Karakalpakstan Peoples in the Context of Globalization: Preserving Traditions and New Practices” (2025-2030). This project aims to conduct an in-depth study of the changes occurring in family rituals of Karakalpakstan peoples within the context of globalization processes. Special attention will be given to the interaction between traditional and new practices, which will help understand how the peoples of Karakalpakstan maintain their identity in a rapidly changing world.

Scientific results of the department:

In 2014, the department staff prepared an ethnographic album titled “Karakalpak National Clothing,” dedicated to the traditional attire of the Karakalpaks. – Nukus: Ilim, 2014. – 66 p.

In 2023, the department staff published research results on the impact of globalization and the ecological crisis on traditional culture in the form of a collection of articles titled “The Impact of the Aral Sea Region’s Environmental Problem on the Traditional Culture of the Karakalpaks.” – Nukus: Ilim, 2023. – 123 p.

In 2023, proceedings from the conference “Ethnographic Research in Karakalpakstan: History and Modernity,” dedicated to the 90th birth anniversary of H. Yesbergenov, Candidate of Historical Sciences, were published.  – Nukus: Ilim, 2023.

Currently, the department’s scientific potential consists of 5 employees, including 1 Doctor of Science and 2 Candidates of Science. The department is training 7 doctoral students and 1 research intern.

 

Department Staff:

Kurbanova Z.I. – Head of Department

Kamalova R.S. – Senior Researcher

Davletiyarov M.M. – Senior Researcher

Saitov A. – Junior Researcher

Tadjetova S. – Junior Researcher

 

Doctoral students:

Pakhratdinov Azhiniyaz Kuralbaevich.  Topic: The issue of artificial kinship in Karakalpak family relations.

Nauryzbayeva Nurjamal Kudaibergenovna.  Topic: Karakalpak carpets as an ethnographic source (based on materials from the I.V. Savitsky State Museum of Arts of Karakalpakstan and the Museum of History and Culture of the Republic of Karakalpakstan)

Tazhetdinova Bagila Nurgalievna. Topic: The tradition of gift-giving among the Karakalpaks and its modern transformations.

Absetterova Uldai Karamatdinovna. Topic: Water-related customs and traditions of the Karakalpak people.

Nasratdinov Sapar Zhetkerbayevich. Topic: Photographs of Karakalpaks as an ethnographic source.

Zholdasbayeva Gulnara Azatovna. Topic: Karakalpak heroic epics as a historical-ethnographic source: the examples of Alpamys, Koblan, and Kyrk kyz.

Tairov Sharapatdin Shamshetdinovich. Topic: The role of superstitions in the daily life of Karakalpaks

Intern:

Zholdasbayeva Gulnara Rashidovna. Topic: Karakalpak culinary traditions and their adaptation to modern times.