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INNOVATION OF MUSEUM EXHIBITION AS A CATALYST OF TOURISM IN
KARAKALPAKSTAN
Dospanov Oktyabr Turganbaevich
Head of the Archaeology Department of the
I.V. Savitskiy
Karakalpak State Art Museum, Candidate of Historical Sciences.
(+99899-535-32-28;
)
ORCID ID – 0009-0001-4719-1137
Abstract:
The article discusses the issue of developing the tourism industry in the Republic of
Karakalpakstan in the context of museum exhibitions of existing resources. New and modern
approaches to tourism through the prism of museums, including innovative solutions, museum
pedagogy elements, and the application of interactive technologies, are considered. The materials
used in practice, obtained from archaeological and ethnographic research, as well as artifacts that
can attract the attention of visitors, are analyzed. It is also emphasized that museum pedagogy
can effectively solve the issues of ideological education of young people by combining tourist
and museum perception.
Keywords
: archeology, museum, tourism, innovative approach, ethnography.
Introduction
Tourism is a vital industry for many regions, including the Aral region—an area located near the
Aral Sea in Central Asia, home to diverse ethnic groups. Studying the tourism potential of the
ethnic cultures of the Aral peoples is a particularly relevant research topic, especially when
considered from the perspective of museum pedagogy. In essence, museums are the key catalysts
that support the tourism industry. Moreover, it is imperative to create the conditions necessary to
implement the latest museum exhibition concepts that meet the demands of modern visitors.
Among the factors involved in studying the sites of ethno-cultural tourism in Karakalpakstan—
and the methods of their preservation and popularization—it is essential, alongside field research,
to pay attention to certain sources that facilitate the study of historical and cultural monuments
related to tourism.
Literature Review
It is evident that, in order to examine the convergence of the tourism industry and museum
pedagogy, one must rely on a diverse range of studies that can provide a deeper understanding of
the subject matter. Although a wealth of materials and literature is available, our analysis focuses
on several key authors whose works are likely to offer a comprehensive grasp of the concept of
museum exhibitions within the context of local cultural perception.
In the context of researching the objects of ethno-cultural tourism in Karakalpakstan, one should
consider sources that contribute to the study of historical and cultural monuments, in addition to
field research. For instance, the collection History and Archaeology of Turan [13] presents the
results of archaeological and ethnographic research conducted in the Aral region and adjacent
areas. The work spans a broad chronological range—from Paleolithic monuments to medieval
times—and covers aspects such as urban planning and topography of ancient settlements,
architectural history, craftsmanship and production techniques, as well as issues related to the
development of ideological views and the results of anthropological studies combined with the
ethnographic roots of the peoples of the Aral region as a whole.
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The historical sketch by A.M. Gerasimovsky, Antiquities of Khiva and the Amudar’in
Department. Historical Bulletin [4], sheds light on the formation of historical centers in the
territory of modern Karakalpakstan.
In S.P. Tolstov’s book Ancient Khorezm [17], the main forms of understanding the ancient
Khorezmian civilization and its connections with various cultures are discussed. The author
selects ancient Khorezm as the subject of his research, concentrating on the history, ethnography,
and archaeology of this unique area of Central Asia—known as the “Egypt of Central Asia.”
Continuing the theme is S.P. Tolstov’s work Along the Ancient Deltas of the Oxus and Yaksart
[19], which is based on research conducted between 1937 and 1958 on the archaeological
monuments of ancient Khorezm and the issues of ancient watercourses of the Amu Darya, as
well as the Khorezm Archaeological and Ethnographic Expedition. The ideological foundations
of the Khorezm expedition were not only in the archaeological investigation of the regions but
also in their combination with ethnographic research. These ideas are embodied in Tolstov’s
Archaeological and Ethnographic Work of the Khorezm Expedition [16], which examines the
studies carried out by the expedition between 1949 and 1953, including research on the ancient
irrigated lands of the Amu Darya, the Ustyurt Plateau, and other territories. A continuation of
this theme is found in the monograph In the Tracks of the Ancient Khorezmian Civilization [18],
which consolidates the materials gathered by the Khorezm expedition over a ten-year period
(1937–1947) and presents data collected during the field seasons of 1945–1947 for the first time.
For a proper understanding of the spiritual and religious views of the peoples inhabiting the
Khorezm state, the work by Yu.A.Rapoport, From the History of Religion in Ancient Khorezm
[16], is an essential component. This study examines the history of religion and culture in
Central Asia during the 1st millennium BC and the 1st millennium AD, including burial rituals
and beliefs.
To appropriately synthesize archaeological motifs with ethnographic research, one should rely on
the monographic work by I.V. Bogoslovskaya, By the Sea of Dunes, on the Land of Takyrs [3].
The book is dedicated to the 110th anniversary of Tatyana Zhdanko’s birth (1909–2007)—a
renowned Russian ethnographer, Doctor of Historical Sciences, and a passionate researcher of
the history and culture of the Karakalpak people and ancient Khorezm. Notably, this work laid
the foundations for modern ethnographic science in Karakalpakstan. It reflects the remarkable
career of the scholar, who for a long time was considered the right hand of the head of the
famous Khorezm Archaeological and Ethnographic Expedition of the Academy of Sciences of
the former USSR. S.P. Tolstov, an author of crucial research on the history and ethnography of
Karakalpakstan, also acknowledged this contribution.
The monograph by V.N. Yagodin and T. Khodjayov, The Necropolis of Ancient Mizdakhkan
[21], is the culmination of a comprehensive archaeological, anthropological, and ethnographic
study of the Mizdakhkan necropolis—one of the most significant centers of the ancient
Khorezmian civilization. Today, this archaeological complex forms part of the tourist route in
the Republic of Karakalpakstan and is a primary attraction for numerous tourists and pilgrims.
Our study draws on numerous sources and scholarly works devoted to issues of ethnographic
research. Fundamental works in this field include those by T.A. Zhdanko, A.A. Allamuratov [1],
Kh. Yesbergenov [5], I.V. Bogoslovskaya [2], among many other researchers who currently
constitute the cornerstone of ethnographic science.
The tourism potential of the Republic of Karakalpakstan cannot be envisioned without biosphere
and nature tours. In this context, the analytical collection by O.T. Dospanov, Report on the
Inventory of Cultural and Historical Heritage Sites Located in the Territory of the Lower Amu
Darya State Biosphere Reserve [7, p.48], raises the issue of preservation and sustainable use of
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cultural and historical monuments located within the Lower Amu Darya State Biosphere Reserve.
Since a significant portion of Karakalpakstan’s territory is occupied by archaeological
monuments, these represent the most attractive resource for managing the Lower Amu Darya
Biosphere Reserve—especially when combined with the ethnographic culture of local
communities. This creates intriguing opportunities for developing tourism infrastructure focused
on familiarizing visitors with local ethno-cultural heritage.
The issues of preservation and restoration of the Aral region’s heritage have been addressed in
the research of several scholars, including S.P. Tolstov [9], N.N. Vakturnaya, M.G. Vorobyeva,
V.N. Yagodin [8, p.14], M.Sh. Kydrniyazov [14], O.T. Dospanov [11, p.17], and others.
Research Methodology
Ethno-cultural diversity is one of the key elements that make any region attractive to tourists.
Every ethnic group in the Aral region possesses unique traditions, customs, culture, art, cuisine,
and music that are undoubtedly of interest to tourists as subjects for study and immersion in a
different culture. This diversity can attract tourists from various countries, promote cultural
exchange, and foster international cooperation.
The development of tourism in the Aral region can contribute to the economic growth of the area.
Tourism is a source of income and employment; it stimulates the development of infrastructure,
local entrepreneurship, agriculture, and other sectors of the economy. Given the unfavorable
environmental conditions near the Aral Sea, tourism development can serve as an important
source of income for the local population.
The Aral region is now widely known throughout the world as an area marked by an ecological
(Aral) catastrophe.
It is less well known, however, that these areas are also lands of ancient culture, preserving a
large number of monuments of ancient and medieval culture. The peoples inhabiting Southern
Aral—Karakalpaks, Khorezm Uzbeks, Kazakhs, and Turkmen—possess an extremely rich
cultural heritage in the form of traditional crafts, applied arts, abundant folklore, traditions of
mass popular celebrations, and more. Here, a significant collection of monuments from ancient
and medieval civilizations is preserved, along with a number of unique natural sites.
The ecological catastrophe in the Aral region, which began intensifying in the 1960s, has
significantly worsened the situation for the peoples living in this area. The high level of
unemployment—especially in rural regions—has led to the development of migratory processes
[10, pp.43–47].
It is now generally accepted that the concept of sustainable development represents an ideology
of balancing the interests of generations within an ecological paradigm that provides for the fair
distribution of limited natural resources. When speaking of rational natural resource management,
we must also consider rational cultural resource management.
In our view, when addressing the resource base of cultural heritage, attention should be paid to
directions such as immovable historical and cultural monuments; archaeological monuments,
historical sites, architectural landmarks—including museums and workshops of artists and
master craftsmen; the ethnographic features of the indigenous peoples of the Aral region;
folklore and traditional art of the Turkic peoples of the Aral region; and, of course, natural
monuments.
Analysis and Discussion of the Results.
The Republic of Karakalpakstan is renowned for its unique archaeological monuments and
cultural traditions and is today a unique territory that brings together the largest number of
archaeological sites visited by both domestic and foreign tourists.
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Among the most popular monuments are Toprak Kala, Kyzyl-Kala, Ayazkala, Bolshoy
Guldursun, Mizdakhkan, Janpyk-Kala, and many others.
Nevertheless, given the development of the republic’s tourism potential, museum pedagogy also
plays an important role in the tourism industry. It integrates these objects into educational
processes, offering unique opportunities for both local residents and tourists to become
acquainted with the region’s cultural heritage.
Undoubtedly, archaeological monuments, as sources of educational resources, are closely linked
to the upbringing and pedagogical orientation of today’s youth. These monuments serve not only
as tourist attractions but also as important educational resources. They are tangible witnesses to
the region’s history and culture, providing invaluable data for studying territorial settlement,
social structures, and the traditions of ancient civilizations. Visiting such sites allows tourists and
locals to interact directly with history, which is a key aspect of museum pedagogy.
Under modern conditions, the Republic of Uzbekistan is implementing a program of
museumification and integration with museum collections [14]. This is a necessity for the
widespread popularization and synthesis of archaeological monuments with the artifacts
discovered at these sites, and for their exhibition.
Museumification of archaeological monuments means creating an educational and cultural
context in which these objects can be presented not only as historical artifacts but also as part of
a broader cultural history. It is important to integrate the artifacts related to these monuments into
museum exhibitions—among them, the Karakalpak State Art Museum named after I.V. Savitskiy
and the State Museum of History and Culture of the Republic of Karakalpakstan—which
together house over 40,000 archaeological and ethnographic artifacts that testify to the high level
of ancient and medieval culture of the Khorezmian civilization, as well as to the unique culture
of the peoples of Southern Aral.
The archaeological and ethnographic discoveries were first brought to light in the 1930s–1940s
by the Khorezm Archaeological and Ethnographic Expedition under the leadership of the
legendary Professor S.P. Tolstov and T.A. Zhdanko [20, pp.5–8]. Later, significant contributions
were made by researchers from the local Karakalpak school of ancient culture studies.
This integration creates a tangible link not only with specific time periods but also between the
objects and the places of their discovery, deepening the understanding of the historical and
cultural context.
It is important to understand that the modern tourism industry, in conjunction with museum
pedagogy, must be closely aligned with interactive and innovative technologies in museum
education.
Modern methods of exhibition—including interactive technologies—greatly expand the
opportunities of museum pedagogy. Virtual tours, augmented reality (AR), and multimedia
installations become vital tools that connect artifacts with archaeological monuments. For
example, virtual technologies can recreate ancient cities or the contextual settings in which
certain objects were used. This allows tourists and students not only to study history but also to
“immerse” themselves in it, creating new levels of information perception.
How, then, can interactive technologies impact the tourism industry? Admittedly, the current
stage and practical methods under our modern conditions may not be perfect. However, it is
essential to embrace these methods—drawing on the advanced practices already established in
countries with developed tourism sectors abroad.
Modern interactive technologies are significantly transforming the tourism industry by creating
new opportunities for both museums and tourists. They make the process of planning, organizing
trips, and obtaining information much more convenient, engaging, and informative.
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First, interactive technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) open up
new horizons for tourists. With VR devices, users can “preview” attractions before visiting them
in person, thereby creating a more deliberate desire to visit those sites. For example, tourists can
virtually traverse the distance to a famous museum from their own homes and, after witnessing
the quality of the exhibits and features, decide to make a real trip.
Second, mobile applications have become indispensable companions for travelers. Interactive
maps, guides, platforms for sharing impressions and reviews significantly simplify the travel
experience and make it more personalized. Cutting-edge developments in artificial intelligence,
such as virtual assistants, can offer personalized recommendations based on users’ preferences
and past experiences.
It is also important to note that although the integration of interactive technologies in the tourism
industry is progressing rapidly, it sometimes encounters certain difficulties. For example, not all
countries—especially developing ones—possess the necessary infrastructure and resources for
the full-scale implementation and use of these technologies at an adequate level [6].
Nevertheless, it is crucial to perceive this stage as part of a global process, one that must be
followed and adapted to in order not to fall behind global trends. European and Asian countries
serve as examples of how the integration of innovative technologies can enhance tourist
attractiveness.
Conclusions
Thus, interactive technologies have become an important tool that fosters innovation in tourism.
They not only make travel more engaging but also open up new prospects for the growth and
sustainable development of the tourism industry. By applying international experience, countries
can significantly improve the quality of service for tourists, strengthen their competitiveness, and
promote their own cultural and historical potential on the global stage.
The integration of museum pedagogy with tourist attractions contributes to the development of
the tourism industry.
With each passing year, interest in both the tangible and intangible culture of Karakalpakstan
grows, attracting both local and foreign tourists. The closer the connection between museum
exhibitions and archaeological monuments, the more attractive they become to visitors. This can
lead to an increase in the number of tourists and a deeper understanding of the region’s cultural
heritage.
The role of the tourist sites of the Republic of Karakalpakstan in museum pedagogy is
multifaceted and significant. Archaeological monuments such as Toprak Kala, Kyzyl-Kala,
Janpyk-Kala, Ayazkala, Mizdakhkan, and others serve not only as historical witnesses but also
form the basis for educational programs and projects [20, pp.5–23]. The integration of artifacts
into museum exhibitions and the use of modern technologies open up new horizons for exploring
the region’s culture and history. In this way, museum pedagogy and the tourism industry
mutually enrich each other, fostering a deeper understanding and respect for the unique history
and culture of this region.
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