The S. Kozhanov Historical and Local Lore Museum of the Sozak District
The Sultankbek Kozhanov District Museum of History and Local Lore in Sozak is a significant cultural and educational institution located in the village of Sholakkorgan, the administrative center of the Sozak district in the Turkistan Region. The museum was officially opened on April 12, 1994, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of the prominent statesman and public figure Sultankbek Kozhanov.
Initially, the museum was housed in a small building. Over time, due to the expansion of its collections and the growing volume of exhibition materials, the institution was relocated in 2021 to a new, specially constructed facility that meets modern standards. This transition significantly enhanced both the quality and the scale of the museum’s services to the public.
The primary mission of the museum is to collect, preserve, and widely promote the historical and cultural heritage of the Sozak region. In addition, the museum carries out systematic work aimed at fostering patriotism among youth, cultivating historical awareness, and promoting national spiritual values.
The museum’s exhibition comprises several thematic sections, each represented by valuable artifacts that reflect the rich historical past of the region:
1. Nature Sector - This section presents information on the natural geography, climatic conditions, flora, and fauna of the Sozak district. It also includes archaeological artifacts such as balbals (stone sculptures) dating back to the medieval period.
2. Ethnographic Sector - This sector features household items, samples of traditional clothing, handicrafts, and other ethnographic materials that illustrate the way of life of the Kazakh people before the October Revolution. Through these exhibits, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the traditional lifestyle and worldview of their ancestors.
3. Cultural Heritage Section - Dedicated to the creative legacy of prominent figures in culture, literature, and sports originating from the region. The section includes materials on the lives and works of poets, writers, kyushi (traditional musicians), and composers. Particularly valuable are the dombyras once owned by Tlegen Mombekov and Dina Nurpeisova, which are considered unique museum artifacts.
4. Independence Sector - This section covers the historical period following the Republic of Kazakhstan’s attainment of independence. It features documents, photographs, personal recollections, and other materials aimed at promoting the history of independent Kazakhstan and reinforcing national identity.