State Historical and Cultural Reserve-Museum “Esik”

.The State Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve "Issyk" is one of the leading scientific and cultural institutions of the Republic of Kazakhstan, dedicated to the preservation, study, and promotion of the country's archaeological and historical-cultural heritage. The museum-reserve was established in 1970 in the Enbekshikazakh district of the Almaty region, at the site of the famous Issyk burial mound from the Scythian era. It was here that a unique discovery in world archaeology was made - the burial of a Scythian warrior, known as the "Golden Man," who has become a symbol of Kazakhstan’s history.

The territory of the museum-reserve is rich in ancient historical sites. Its protected zone includes more than 90 burial mounds of the Issyk necropolis, as well as ancient Scythian-era settlements such as Rakhat and Örikti. These sites are located along one of the key segments of the Great Silk Road and hold strategic importance from both historical-cultural and tourism perspectives. Since 2014, the territory of the medieval city of Talgar has been proposed for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List and was transferred for permanent use to the Issyk Museum-Reserve.

The primary activities of the museum-reserve include the preservation, restoration, and protection of historical and cultural heritage sites, as well as the conduct of archaeological and scientific research focused on the ancient and medieval history of Kazakhstan and its broad presentation to the public. The institution also actively develops tourism and excursion services and hosts scientific and educational events, exhibitions, and seminars.

The museum's internal structure features four main exhibition halls:

1. The Hall "History and Culture of the Saka" - dedicated to the economy, religious beliefs, military art, and everyday life of the Saka people;

2. The Hall "The Golden Man" - showcases the Saka chieftain, known as the "Golden Man," discovered in the Issyk burial mound in 1969-1970, along with golden ornaments, weapons, and jewelry;

3. The Hall "Archaeology of Kazakhstan" - presents archaeological finds from various regions of the country, categorized by historical periods;

4. The Hall for Temporary Exhibitions - used for rotating and traveling exhibitions, as well as modern cultural and educational projects.

In addition, the museum features a memorial office of Kazakh archaeologist Bekmukhanbet Nurmukhanbetov, who first discovered the "Golden Man." An open-air exhibition includes approximately 90 burial mounds and archaeological sites from the Saka and Wusun periods. The museum also organizes excursions to the Rakhat archaeological complex and the medieval city of Talgar.

The State Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve "Issyk" is not only a place that reflects the “golden age” of Kazakhstan’s history but also an international scientific center and a key cultural infrastructure site that promotes the development of cultural tourism.