G.V. Yusupov and problems of Tatar epigraphy

The valuable contribution made by Garun Valeyevich Yusupov to the development of the Tatar epigraphy, the basic achievements and main objectives of contemporary epigraphic science in Tatarstan are considered in the article. The 1946-1957s expeditions conducted by G.V. Yusupov covered the majority of Tatarstan, Chuvashia and Bashkortostan regions (cca. 150 settlements) and revealed a few hundred Tatar epigraphic monuments (mostly epitaphs) dating to the period from the 13-14th to the 19the – early 20th centuries. His publications were distinguished by their precision and highly informative character, becoming a model for further research. On the basis of collected and accumulated materials G.V. Yusupov developed a new classification of the 13-19th-century epigraphy resources. Contemporary studies have considerably expanded the geography of the findings by including Astrakhan, Penza and Irkutsk Regions and North Kazakhstan; they allowed tracing the peculiarities of the gravestone epitaph tradition development. The main objective of Tatarstan epigraphists is reveal and completely publish the gravestone research epitaphs, and to preserve this kind of source that provides unique information on the language, art and history of the Tatar people.