Kumbyz (furnace) found in the medieval city of Kyshkala

Abstract

Long-term studies of the medieval city of Kyshkala revealed a mausoleum, madrasahs, simple burials and living quarters built of ceramic bricks and the
remains of cult and memorial construction sites. A number of studies were also conducted to find out where so many bricks were burned, and consequently, in 2019 brick-burning kumbyz (furnace) was found in the eastern part of Shahristan in the medieval city of Kyshkala, dating back to the Golden Horde era, to the 13th and 14th centuries. Therefore, in the article, giving extensive
definitions related to etimology (origin) of the word “kumbyz” for burning bricks, we will focus on the history of kumbyz of the medieval history of Kazakhstan, which had a direct impact on the prosperity of urban culture. The kumbyzes were found in the Chui region and such medieval cities as Aktobe, Sarayshyq, Zhaiyk, as well as in the medieval cities of middle and lower flows of Syr Darya. The article considers the history of discovering kumbyzes and the conducted archeological research, the first published results were supplemented with additional materials and a comparative chronological analysis. The issues related to the type and technology of manufacturing furnaces, and burning or processing bricks are also considered, the work done during the reconstruction of historical and cultural value through the implementation of temporary security measures is discussed.