Protection and studies of the medieval Isker hillfort during the Soviet period (early 1920s - early 1990s)

The available publications contain rather scarce information on the history relating to investigations of the Isker hillfort during the Soviet period. These publications do not describe processes of documenting and protecting the site, there is practically no information on the activities undertaken by Moscow archaeologists and staff members of the Tobol museum. The paper attempts to eliminate these gaps and introduce data from unpublished documents into scientific discourse. The comparison of various sources demonstrates that the Isker hillfort was investigated using scientific methods during the entire Soviet period; however, the results of such investigations were not easily accessible. The work performed ensured that the site was recorded into the central register and placed under state protection, which, nevertheless, failed to prevent its subsequent decay and damage.