This essay is devoted to the vast scientific and practical activities of the famous historian – the academician Yahya Gulyamov, who was archaeologist, great specialist in history, head of numerous archaeological expeditions. The article presents the way of his rising from a young researcher to the immense specialist in historical science of Uzbekistan. The essay is of historical and historiographical character. In research there were used the documents of Ya. G. Gulymov’s personal fund stored in the Central State Archive of the Republic of Uzbekistan, as well as the materials of documentary film «Umr Daftari», and his studies. A special attention is paid to his participation in protection of archaeological and historical monuments threatened to be destroyed.