Architectural and Art Museum of the Baydibek District

The Appak Ishan Mosque-Madrasa, located in the village of Shayan in the Baydibek District of Turkistan Region, is one of Kazakhstan’s most significant historical and religious monuments. This architectural complex was constructed in the first half of the 19th century, approximately around the year 1845.

The mosque-madrasa was founded by the Ishan brothers, Kosym and Kulatai, who had come from the city of Turkistan. They were highly educated individuals, fluent in Arabic and deeply knowledgeable in Islamic teachings. Their aim was to enlighten the Kazakh youth of Shayan by teaching them Arabic literacy and instilling moral values such as piety, patience, and cleanliness through Islamic education.

The initiative was supported by local tribal leaders and administrative authorities. With the help of the community, a small mosque-madrasa was constructed from adobe bricks and began functioning as the first educational institution in the area. However, as the number of students grew over time, the original building became insufficient. Consequently, the need for expansion arose, and Kosym Ishan’s son, Maguzyum, was specially summoned from Bukhara to assist in this effort.

To commence large-scale construction, special permission was obtained from the Tashkent General-Governor. Expansion work on the mosque and madrasa in Shayan soon began. Initially, it was planned to build 40 kelyas (student living quarters), but due to financial constraints, only 29 were completed. Despite this, the madrasa became one of the largest and most reputable Islamic educational institutions in Kazakhstan at the time. It accommodated around 150 students and employed nearly 20 teachers simultaneously.

The Appak Ishan Mosque-Madrasa operated fully from 1886 until 1926. However, following the establishment of Soviet power, religious activities were suspended, and the building was repurposed for various secular uses, including as a primary school, shop, administrative office, warehouse, and even as a prison.

During the Soviet era, the complex fell into neglect, deteriorated significantly, and approached the brink of destruction. However, a prominent figure of the Kazakh nation, public activist and Deputy Minister of Culture of the Kazakh SSR, Uzbekali Zhanibekov, personally visited the site. Recognizing its historical and cultural value, he initiated the process of placing the mosque under state protection as a heritage monument. As a result, by decree of the Council of Ministers of the Kazakh SSR, the mosque-madrasa was officially designated a historical and cultural site and was later opened as a museum.

The Baydibek District Museum of Architecture and Fine Arts was officially inaugurated in 1981. From January 1982, comprehensive scholarly research and collection activities began. The museum has since become a unique intersection of Kazakhstan’s history, religion, ethnography, and art.

The primary mission of the museum is to preserve and present the region’s historical and cultural heritage, promote the values of Islam, and highlight the traditional lifestyle of the Kazakh people. Additionally, it serves to foster the spiritual and moral education of younger generations, reinforce national identity, and cultivate historical memory.

The museum's main exhibition themes include:

The History of Islam and the Madrasa - exhibits and documents detailing the history of the Appak Ishan Mosque-Madrasa, its founders, the religious education system, and the lives of students and teachers.

National Ethnography - displays showcasing the everyday life of the Kazakh people, including yurt furnishings, traditional clothing, handicrafts, and household items.

Architecture and Construction Materials - elements of 19th-century mosque architecture, such as fired bricks, ornamental patterns, and decorative components.

Manuscript and Literary Heritage - religious books written in Arabic script, notebooks, and textbooks used by students during their studies.

Antique Carpets and Household Items - carpets and woven goods collected from Tajikistan, the Kazygurt region, and other areas.

In 2000, as part of the “Year of Cultural Support” in Kazakhstan, the museum underwent extensive restoration and landscaping. It was redesigned to meet modern exhibition standards, with renovated interior spaces, updated galleries, and informational panels, creating a comfortable environment for visitors.