Assel Kurmangali

I began my graduate studies in the Preservation Studies program at Boston University in Fall 2025. I am from Kazakhstan and have over three years of experience in cultural heritage preservation. After completing my bachelor’s degree in Archaeology and Ethnology, I joined The Center for the Preservation of Historical and Cultural Heritage in the Karaganda Region. There, I worked on restoration projects, archaeological surveys, and community initiatives to protect and promote cultural monuments. 

My work also included participating in conferences, organizing festivals and lectures, and contributing to preservation strategies. The most meaningful part for me was engaging young people and volunteers, encouraging them to value cultural memory and identity. In 2023, I completed a training program at Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering, where I gained insight into international approaches to preservation. This inspired me to pursue graduate studies abroad and bring new perspectives back to Kazakhstan.

My research interests focus on exploring new approaches in archaeology and heritage preservation. I want to understand how modern methods can be combined with traditional practices to find more effective solutions in this field. My home region of Ulytau in Kazakhstan holds special significance, with unique monuments such as the mausoleum of Jochi Khan, the mausoleum of Alasha Khan, and ancient petroglyphs. These sites sparked my interest in history and inspired me to pursue archaeology and seek new ways to preserve cultural heritage. At Boston University, I want to study a range of international approaches to heritage preservation-from traditional restoration and archaeological research to modern directions, including digital documentation, 3D modeling, and interdisciplinary practices. I hope to understand how these methods can be adapted for Kazakhstan and Central Asia.
In the future, I hope to develop projects that help people better discover and appreciate cultural heritage.

Outside academics, I stay connected to Kazakh culture by playing the national dombra, practicing traditional dance, and creative arts.