The ongoing excavations at the ancient settlement of Saraishyk are paving the way for the establishment of an open-air museum, Astana Times reported. Archeologists are diligently working to uncover the historical treasures of Saraishyk in preparation for the upcoming kurultai (congress).
The plan is to transform the territory of the ancient settlement into an open-air museum, where the discovered structures will be restored to their former glory. A team of experts has developed a comprehensive five-year plan for the study and restoration of this significant historical monument.
Saraishyk, a medieval city founded in the 10th-11th centuries, held great importance as the capital of the Golden Horde and a prominent trading hub along the Great Silk Road. Situated 50 kilometers north of Atyrau, near the lower Ural River, it served as a vital crossroads between Europe and Asia. As of now, it is located in close proximity to the modern Saraishyk village in the Atyrau Region.
The excavations primarily focus on the upper layers of the ancient city. Due to the abundance of valuable artifacts from the periods of the Kazakh Khanate and the Nogai Horde, the work is conducted manually, prohibiting the use of technology.
Archaeologist Vyacheslav Plakhov expressed optimism about the project.
"The city now occupies two-thirds of what it used to be. It is big, so we have great prospects ahead. Our results enable us to know the location of the streets, the artisan quarters, workshops, residential areas, as well as where the caravanserais stood."
Saraishyk's excavation has yielded an invaluable wealth of historical artifacts for archaeologists and historians. Among the findings are household items, coins, and intact structures. The city saw the reign of seven rulers throughout its history. Notably, during the rule of Kasym Khan, the fourth Khan of the Kazakh Khanate, Saraishyk became the capital and played a crucial role in defining the borders of Kazakh statehood.
Although archeological interest in Saraishyk dates back to the 1940s, comprehensive exploration of the historical site began only in recent decades. In previous excavations, over a thousand artifacts were discovered, including the Khan's Pantheon where Kasym Khan is buried. These artifacts are currently exhibited in the Khan Ordaly Saraishyk Museum.
Abilseit Mukhtar, the head of the Saraishyk State Cultural and Historical Museum, emphasized the significance of establishing a monument to Kasym Khan.
"The next goal is to establish a monument to Kasym Khan. His contribution to the formation of the Kazakh statehood is invaluable. Saraishyk has great historical and ideological significance for us. Our descendants must know its history," he stated.
As the excavation efforts continue, the creation of the open-air museum at Saraishyk promises to bring the rich history and cultural heritage of the ancient city to life. The project aims to preserve and showcase the remarkable legacy of Saraishyk, ensuring that its historical significance endures for generations to come.
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