Zhanakorgan district historical and local history museum
The Zhanakorgan District Branch of the Regional Museum of History and Local Lore is a cultural and educational institution established with the aim of studying, preserving, and promoting the history of the region. The museum was officially founded by Order No. 144 of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated May 2, 1992. The first exhibition opened in 1997 on the second floor of the district House of Culture. For some time, the museum operated without a permanent building. Later, the museum’s exhibition was relocated to four rooms in a former Kazakh-Russian clay school, built in 1905 in the center of the district town. The premises were equipped with new, modern exhibition materials.
On December 23, 2023, the museum’s exhibition was updated in accordance with contemporary standards, and in February 2025, it was reestablished in the newly constructed Spirituality Center in the district center under the name “History Hall of Zhanakorgan District.” Currently, the museum occupies a total area of 613 square meters.
The museum’s collection includes 12,062 artifacts, of which 7,596 belong to the main fund, 4,466 to the auxiliary fund, and 961 items are on display in the exhibition.
As of today, the museum’s exhibition, presented within the framework of the History Hall of Zhanakorgan District, is organized into the following main sections:
1. Section on the Nature of the District - This section provides scientifically grounded information on the geographical location, terrain, climate, flora, and fauna of Zhanakorgan District. Through photographs and cartographic materials, visitors can gain visual insight into the region’s natural wealth, including major natural features such as the Karatau Mountains and the Syr Darya River. The section aims to broaden ecological awareness and local historical knowledge.
2. Section on Archaeological and Historical Monuments of the District - This section covers the archaeological and architectural monuments found in Zhanakorgan District. The exhibits include artifacts dating from the Bronze Age to the Middle Ages: petroglyphs, ceramic vessels, iron weapons, and decorative-applied items discovered during archaeological excavations. Particularly notable are artifacts from ancient settlements such as Uzgent, Syganak, and Akkorgan, which illustrate the continuity of cultural and historical development in the region.
3. Section on the History of Socio-Economic Development - This section reflects the processes of economic growth and the transformation of the district’s social structure from the Soviet period to the present. It presents information on agriculture, irrigation systems, industrial sites, schools, hospitals, and cultural institutions through archival documents, photographs, and scale models. The section emphasizes the key role of agriculture, livestock farming, and small business in the district’s economy.
4. Section on Culture, Literature, and Art - This section presents the life and creative works of cultural figures originating from Zhanakorgan - writers, poets, singers, and musicians. The exhibition features photographs, personal belongings, and works of well-known cultural personalities. Visitors can also learn about the history and significance of local Houses of Culture and libraries in preserving cultural heritage. The section highlights the importance of intergenerational continuity in the development of national culture.
5. Ethnographic Section - This ethnographic display showcases the traditional lifestyle of the Kazakh people. Here, visitors will find elements of a Kazakh yurt, everyday items (camel harnesses, wooden dishes, trunks, kebezhe), samples of national clothing, jewelry, handwoven and embroidered textiles. The section also offers structured information on Kazakh beliefs, customs, family structures, and traditional economic practices.