From May 29 to June 9, 2023, a field training archaeological practice was conducted at the “Botai” settlement for first-year students of the Faculty of “History and Religious Studies” and “Scientific History,” enrolled in the educational program “Geography – History” at Shokan Ualikhanov University in the city of Kokshetau. During the archaeological practice, the students took active part. The training included familiarization with archaeological sites, general excavation rules, and both traditional and modern methods of archaeological excavation, which represent a special type of historical source in archaeological practice.

On the first day, after the arrival and accommodation of the students, the research staff of the Botai Museum-Reserve delivered an introductory lecture on the Botai Culture and the history of the Botai settlement. They also provided instructions regarding the daily schedule, rules of conduct, and safety procedures during archaeological excavations at the archaeological base.

The excavation participants studied the cultural layers and primarily discovered ceramics, stone tools, and osteological materials. They also had the opportunity to observe ancient artifacts from the Botai Culture during the study of archaeological sites and to physically touch them with their hands.

On the final day of the field archaeological training practice, according to archaeological traditions, a ceremony of initiation into archaeologists was held as a farewell for the newly arrived participants. During the ceremony, the students were divided into two groups and took part in engaging games involving the overcoming of various obstacles, as well as the recitation of oath texts.

At the end of the event, all students were awarded certificates of appreciation and gifts.