Turik Viktor Gennadyevich – Explorer of Turkmenistan’s Archaeological Secrets

Turkmenistan is a country with a rich historical heritage, and specialists who have dedicated their lives to archaeology play a crucial role in its study. One such researcher is Turik Viktor Gennadyevich, an Honored Cultural Worker of Turkmenistan and Head of the Archaeology Department at the Mary Museum.

Education and Career

Born in 1967, Turik V. G. graduated from Magtymguly Turkmen State University in 1991 with a degree in history. Since 1992, he has been working at the Mary Museum, heading the archaeology department. He participated in excavations at Altyn-Depe (Bronze Age, Turkmenistan) and a Hittite-era site in Turkey (Ortakoy, Corum).

Museum Work and Scientific Activities

Turik V. G. developed archaeological exhibition projects in museums of Mary, Arkadag, Gara-Kala, and Turkmenabat. He has participated in international conferences, including “Ancient Margiana – A New Center of World Civilization” (2006), “Turkmenistan – Museums of the Golden Age” (2007), and “Millennia-Old Origins of Turkmenistan’s Architectural Culture” (2013).

In 2013, he was awarded the title of “ Cultural and Art Worker of Turkmenistan”.

Excursions to Historical Sites

Since 1998, Viktor Gennadyevich has been conducting excursions to Gonur-Depe, Togolok 21, Göbekli-Depe, Chilburj, Kharoba-Koshut, and Ancient Merv, introducing tourists to the rich history of the Mary Oasis.

Turik Viktor Gennadyevich is not just an archaeologist but a true guardian of Turkmenistan’s ancient heritage, bringing its history closer to tourists and researchers worldwide.