Almaty akimat says no permit issued for works at Butakty-2 settlement site

September 15, 2026 at 11:32 AM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

The Almaty city administration said it did not issue a permit for construction work at the Butakty-2 archaeological site in Butakovka Gorge. Archaeologists reported in early September that part of the ancient settlement was destroyed during preparatory work. The culture department said a research contract has been signed with the Institute of Archaeology to determine further action.

Key Facts

The Almaty culture department said the client and contractor did not apply for a permit for construction and preparatory work at the Butakty-2 monument.
In July, the city energy and water supply department signed an EPC contract with contractor Aliya-Service LLP for preparatory work.
Archaeologist Alexander Goryachev estimated that 1,200–1,500 square meters of the Butakty-2 settlement were destroyed.
The Butakty-2 settlement is a local historical and cultural monument dating to the early Iron Age (2nd–1st centuries BC) and the Middle Ages.

Permit Status

The Almaty culture department said the client and contractor did not apply for a permit for construction and preparatory work at the Butakty-2 monument. The department stated this in response to a request from Vlast.kz. In July, the city energy and water supply department signed an EPC contract with contractor Aliya-Service LLP for preparatory work. According to the department, the contract area is designated for construction of a substation.

Damage Assessment

In early September, archaeologists reported that part of the ancient settlement Butakty-2 was destroyed during economic and construction work in Butakovka Gorge. Leading researcher Alexander Goryachev of the A.Kh. Margulan Institute of Archaeology gave a preliminary estimate of 1,200–1,500 square meters destroyed. The culture department said its staff then visited the Butakty-2 site with representatives of Almatygenplan LLP, the Almaty Museum Association, and researchers.

Research Contract

A research contract was signed between contractor Aliya-Service LLP and the Institute of Archaeology. The culture department said the institute will prepare a conclusion based on the research results. Further action will be determined in accordance with Kazakhstan's legislation based on that conclusion. The Butakty-2 settlement is a local historical and cultural monument dating to the early Iron Age (2nd–1st centuries BC) and the Middle Ages.