The Mukhamedzhan Tynyshbayuly Historical and Local Lore Museum of the Zhetysu Region

The Zhetysu Regional Museum of History and Local Lore named after Mukhamedzhan Tynyshpaev is a significant scientific and cultural institution established to preserve, study, and popularize the historical and cultural heritage of the Zhetysu region. The museum was officially opened on March 1, 1974, in accordance with the Resolution of the Council of Ministers of the Kazakh SSR No. 992-R dated December 4, 1973, and the Order of the Ministry of Culture of the Kazakh SSR No. 41 dated February 21, 1974, under the name "Taldykorgan Regional Museum of History and Local Lore."

In 1993, on the initiative of the museum's staff, an onomastic commission was established, and by the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the institution was named after Mukhamedzhan Tynyshpaev - a prominent statesman and public figure, a member of the Alash Orda government and its deputy chairman, the first Kazakh railway engineer, historian, and a victim of political repression.

The museum’s exposition is divided into five main thematic sections:

1. Nature of Zhetysu

2. Ancient and Medieval History of Zhetysu

3. Culture and Daily Life of the Kazakh People in the Second Half of the 19th Century

4. Zhetysu During the Soviet Period

5. Independent Kazakhstan

The museum materials contain extensive and informative content about the natural resources of the Zhetysu region, its flora and fauna, archaeological finds, the traditional lifestyle of the people, decorative and applied arts, literary and artistic figures, as well as important historical events and outstanding personalities. In addition, the museum’s collections include valuable artifacts and documents related to participants of the Great Patriotic War and local laborers who contributed to the development of agriculture and industry.

The museum's exposition includes archaeological artifacts discovered during excavations from ancient and medieval periods; the helmet of Bi Balpyk from the 18th century; a rare leather wineskin stamped with a seal; a "Maxim" machine gun from the Civil War era; documents reflecting the activities of the Alash movement in Zhetysu; a piano that belonged to the famous Kazakh composer Mukan Tulebayev; the manuscript of the novel “The Return of the Teacher” by writer Anuar Alimzhanov, donated to the museum by the author; and the dress of Lyazzat Asanova, a victim of the December 1986 events.

The museum’s collection also includes personal belongings of well-known writers B. Sokpakbaev, S. Muratbekov, poet G. Ormanov, renowned athletes Zh. Ushkempirov, M. Mamirov, prominent journalists I. Nurtilesuly, B. Kuranbek, and artist A. Raimbekov. In addition, the exposition features traditional jewelry and samples of decorative and applied arts.

The Zhetysu Regional Museum of History and Local Lore named after Mukhamedzhan Tynyshpaev is not only an important cultural center reflecting the historical and cultural identity of the region but also a scientific and educational institution that plays a vital role in shaping the historical consciousness of the younger generation and serves as a reliable source for studying local history and culture.