In the footsteps of the pioneers (on the first archaeological discoveries in Semirechye in the 19th - early 20th centuries)

The article describes the history of the discovery and study of two monumental sites of Tibetan Buddhism of the 17th –18th centuries, the study of which began in the 19th century, but continues today. The “Tekeli stele” (Kelinshektas stone) with images and inscriptions engraved on it dates back to the end of the 17th century is one of the earliest cult monuments that appeared in the Semirechye during the existence of the Dzungar state. “Kegensky Arasan” is a healing mineral spring, which originally also served as a place of worship for Oirats-Buddhists in the late 17th – mid-19th centuries, later acquired the significance of a sacred place in the culture of the Kazakhs. The beginning of the scientific study of both sites is associated with the name of the famous orientalist and amateur archaeologist N.N. Pantusov (1847–1909).