Kokzhyra Village Museum
The Historical and Archaeological Museum, located in the Kokzhira Rural District of the Abai District in East Kazakhstan Region, is a cultural institution established to systematically preserve, study, and widely promote the unique archaeological monuments and tangible and spiritual heritage of the region’s ancient epochs. The opening of the museum is directly linked to the invaluable discoveries made during archaeological excavations conducted in the Kokzhira area.
Among the major archaeological sites that reflect the historical and cultural potential of the region, particular attention is given to Tuyemomonyak, Masaly, Shat Bazaar, Mazibai, Daubai, Maraldy, and especially the Eleke Sazy Valley. The latter represents a highly significant archaeological area, where over 50 previously unexplored burial mounds have been discovered-ushering in a new chapter in Kazakhstan’s archaeology. These sites span a wide chronological range, from the Bronze Age to the Saka and early Turkic periods, reflecting the continuity of cultural and spiritual traditions. Eleke Sazy Valley gained particular fame through the discoveries of the “Golden Man” and the “Golden Horse,” which attracted broad attention in the archaeological community and became symbols of Kazakhstan’s national historical heritage on the international stage.
Other significant finds include anthropomorphic stone sculptures discovered in the Maraldy area and a bronze water reservoir unearthed near the Daubai wintering grounds. These findings confirm that the Kokzhira territory was one of the ancient centers of civilization. All of these scientific discoveries underscore the need for comprehensive archaeological research in the region and create a foundation for further groundbreaking findings. To preserve these valuable artifacts and present them to the wider public, a decision was made to construct a specialized museum building, which was officially opened on January 5, 2023. A significant contribution to the creation of the museum was made by the renowned archaeologist, Doctor of Historical Sciences, and Professor Aldan Aymbetovich Toleubayev, who donated a number of unique artifacts uncovered during his field research. Under his scholarly guidance, major archaeological excavations were carried out at Eleke Sazy and other sites, which hold great importance for Kazakhstani archaeology.
Currently, the museum comprises three main exhibition halls. These display cultural artifacts from the Stone and Bronze Ages, the Saka period, the early Turkic era, and the Middle Ages. The museum's scientific collection includes 1,339 cataloged items, including ceramic vessels, bronze objects, weaponry, jewelry, ritual and religious items, as well as household tools uncovered during excavations.
The primary mission of the museum is to preserve the ancient and medieval historical and cultural heritage of the Kokzhira region, to systematize the results of archaeological research, and to conduct educational and outreach activities aimed at fostering historical awareness in society.