The Karashagyl Complex of Paleolithic Sites in the Chu-Ili Range (southern lake of Balkhash region)

This paper introduces for the first time in scientific literature materials from a new complex of 21 Paleolithic sites, discovered in 2021–2023 at the mountain Karashagyl in the Chu-Ili Range in southeastern Kazakhstan. The complex consists of open-air workshop sites set up near outcrops. Three groups have been distinguished according to their topographical location. The sites have yielded materials, mostly, from the Middle Paleolithic, with a predominance of Levallois technique applied for producing blades and points. Besides, some finds are ascribed to the Upper Paleolithic, possibly, from its initial and late stages. Presently, it is the largest complex of Paleolithic surface sites in the region.