Kabambay Batyr Historical and Local Lore Museum

The main focus of the museum’s activities is the popularization of the life and heroic path of Kabanbay Batyr, the presentation of his role as a historical figure, and the promotion of national values, traditions, and spiritual heritage. The museum’s profile includes the archaeology and ethnography of the region, the everyday life and economic activities of the population, the era of Kabanbay Batyr, the period of the Dzungar invasion, the liberation struggle of the Kazakh people, as well as information about prominent figures of the region. The museum displays historical documents, household items, samples of weapons, and ethnographic exhibits.

On March 29, 1988, the Executive Committee of the Andreyevsky District Council of People’s Deputies adopted Resolution No. 121 to begin work on opening a historical and local lore museum in a completed building. Construction work began in October 1990, and in 1991 the museum started its activities as a historical and ethnographic museum.

In the same year, the 300th anniversary of the outstanding Kazakh batyr and talented military commander Karakerey Kabanbay Batyr was widely celebrated at the republican level. As part of the jubilee events, a large ceremonial celebration took place in the Uiygentas area of the Alakol District, becoming a significant event in the region’s history. In connection with this, the former village of Andreyevka and the newly opened museum were named after Kabanbay Batyr. In 1993, the name “Karakerey Kabanbay Batyr Historical and Local Lore Museum” was officially approved.

The museum exhibition consists of seven halls:

1. Nature of the Native Land

2. Archaeology

3. Kabanbay Batyr

4. Soviet Period

5. History of the Region during World War II

6. Personalities

7. Ethnography

1. This hall presents the natural features of the Alakol District. The exhibition includes the lake system of Alakol, Sasykkol, and Zhalanashkol, the mountain ranges of the Dzungarian Alatau, taxidermy specimens of animals and birds, as well as collages reflecting the region’s nature. Special attention is given to the rich birdlife of Lake Alakol.

2. The archaeology hall presents materials on the ancient and medieval history of the Alakol region. The exhibition introduces visitors to the ancient settlement of Asusai, caravanserais of the Great Silk Road, as well as archaeological finds such as ceramic items and millstones.

3. This hall is dedicated to the life and heroic path of Karakerey Kabanbay Batyr. It highlights his struggle against the Dzungar invaders, participation in historic battles, and the conferral of the honorary title “Daraboz.” The hall features a diorama of the Battle of Anyrakai and examples of traditional weapons used by Kazakh batyrs.

4. The exhibition reflects the history of the Lepsinsk Uyezd in the 19th-20th centuries and the socio-economic development of the region. Materials related to the events of the early 20th century and the Soviet period are also presented, including one of the significant episodes of the Civil War - the Cherkassy Defense.

5. This hall displays personal belongings, weapons, and frontline letters of local residents who took part in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945.

6. The hall is dedicated to poets and writers, composers, as well as figures of culture, science, education, and public life who made a significant contribution to the development of the Alakol District.

7. The ethnography hall presents the traditional way of life of the Kazakh people, elements of yurt interior decoration, and items of folk crafts.

The Most Valuable Exhibits in the Museum Collection

The total number of museum items is 1,230. Among the most valuable are: a samovar (1892), an embroidered kimeshek (19th century), silver earrings (19th century), a wooden meat dish (19th century), ceramic jugs, cauldrons, and hums (10th century).

Samovar. A metal vessel with a tap, designed for boiling water and brewing tea. The samovar consists of a firebox and a water reservoir, equipped with a lid, handles, and a chimney pipe. Water is poured through a tap with a rotary mechanism. The samovar bears the inscription “1896.” The item was produced at the Batashov Brothers Factory (Tula, Russia).

Kimeshek. A traditional national headdress of Kazakh women, decorated with embroidery using red and purple threads with amulet-shaped ornaments. Dating: 19th century.

Earrings. Jewelry worn by girls and women, crescent-shaped with a hollow center. Dating: 19th century.

Jug. A ceramic vessel of rounded shape with a flat base. Place of discovery: Alakol District, ancient settlement of Asusai. Dating: 10th-12th centuries.

Opening Hours

Monday - Closed

Tuesday - Sunday: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Break: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Paid Services

Adults without guided tour - 250 tenge; with guided tour - 300 tenge; foreign visitors - 3,000 tenge

Students and pensioners: without guided tour - 200 tenge; with guided tour - 250 tenge

Schoolchildren: without guided tour - 150 tenge; with guided tour - 200 tenge

Preschool children: without guided tour - 100 tenge; with guided tour - 150 tenge