The Russian Geographical Society (RGO) plans to conduct expeditions to Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan in 2026. They will be part of a programme dedicated to the 200th anniversary of the birth of Pyotr Semenov-Tyan-Shansky, according to the news website Asmannews.

This outstanding 19th-century scientist was the first to conduct detailed research in the Tien Shan, as well as the regions of Transcaspia and Turkestan, leaving a significant mark on geography, geology and biology.

In 2024, the RGO has already repeated part of Semenov-Tyan-Shansky's route — from Bishkek to Karakol — studying the relief, seismic activity and archaeological sites.

The project brings together specialists from various fields, including historians, geographers, ecologists and cultural experts. The result of the work will be a monograph entitled ‘Historical and Cultural Atlas of the Semenov-Tyan-Shansky Expeditions’ and an interactive map of the routes, which will be useful for science, tourism and local history.

The organisers emphasise that the expeditions will not only allow researchers to study the dynamics of change in the region, but also draw attention to its cultural heritage and strengthen international scientific cooperation.