Astana, Kazakhstan, 19 May 2026 – The International Symposium “The Golden Horde as a Model of Steppe Civilization: History, Archaeology, Culture, Identity†opened in Astana with the participation of H.E. Mr Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Held under the patronage of UNESCO, the symposium brought together leading scholars, experts, cultural heritage professionals and representatives of the international scientific community to advance research and dialogue on the historical legacy of the Ulus of Jochi, widely known as the Golden Horde, and its role in shaping the cultural and civilisational landscape of Central Eurasia. The event gathered some 350 delegates from more than 20 countries across Europe, Asia, North America and the Middle East.
Speaking at the opening ceremony on behalf of the Director-General of UNESCO, Mr Lazare Eloundou Assomo, Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre and Acting Assistant Director-General for Culture, welcomed Kazakhstan's continued commitment to culture, heritage and multilateral cooperation.
In his remarks, he underlined that the Golden Horde offers an important historical example of cultural diversity, exchange and interaction across Eurasia:
“The Golden Horde is an important embodiment of these values. It reflects a wider history of Eurasia where the steppe served as a vibrant centre of movement, exchange and connection. The Golden Horde was a political and cultural space of remarkable diversity. It was a space where religions, languages, artistic forms and technologies met and influenced one another. It still stands as a powerful historical model of intercultural dialogue and cultural diversity.â€
