Reconstructing planigraphy of the Golden Horde period caravanserai Kulish (Western Kazakhstan) on the basis of a Magnetic Survey

At the initial stage of the study of the Kulish caravanserai, a magnetic survey was carried out in order to non-destructively investigate the layout of the site prior to archaeological excavations. Magnetic survey was carried out using a Foerster Ferex 4.032 gradient magnetometer, which is designed for precision magnetic survey. As a result, a magnetic map with detailed contours of the caravanserai was created. Analyses of the obtained data made it possible to carry out a detailed reconstruction of its planigraphy. The reconstruction process consisted of three stages: 1) Drawing the contours of the anomalies on the magnetic map and their primary interpretation; 2) Search for similar caravanserais in the neighbouring territory, studied earlier. Comparison of the primary interpretation of the magnetic map with the plans of excavated complexes (8 objects). Correction of the primary interpretation; 3) Drawing of the final plan and description of the caravanserai. The obtained reconstruction will allow in the future to develop the most optimal plan for research, preservation and museification of the Kulish caravanserai. The experience of using magnetic survey, as well as the algorithm of reconstructing the planigraphy of the Kulish caravanserai can be applied for non-destructive study of other caravanserais and similar archaeological sites that will be discovered in the future.