THE FORMATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE MUSEUM NETWORK IN KARAKALPAKSTAN: HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVES AND COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

Résumé

This article examines the formation and early development of the museum network in Karakalpakstan from the 1920s through the mid-20th century, comparing it with museum development patterns in Great Britain, Russia, Kazakhstan, and China. The study reveals that the first museum collections in Karakalpakstan emerged within local history circles and educational institutions, culminating in the establishment of a museum department at the Comprehensive Research Institute in Turtkul in 1929. Through comparative analysis, the research identifies three distinctive features of Karakalpakstan's museum development: close integration with scientific research activities, particularly archaeological expeditions; a multifunctional institutional character combining research, educational, and memorial functions; and operation under significant material and personnel constraints. Unlike European museums that evolved from aristocratic collections or Chinese museums that developed under Western influence, Karakalpakstan's museums emerged organically from scientific expeditions and educational initiatives, closely linked to the groundbreaking Khorezm Archaeological Expedition. Despite facing challenges of limited funding and trained personnel, the region successfully established the foundations of a museum network by the mid-20th century. This network reflected the unique socio-cultural conditions of the region while maintaining high scientific standards in its collections and exhibitions. The study contributes to understanding regional variations in museum institutionalization and offers insights into how museums can effectively develop in culturally diverse regions with limited resources.