The State Historical and Cultural Reserve-Museum “Monuments of ancient Taraz”

The reserve-museum "Monuments of ancient Taraz" was opened according to the Decree of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan No. 256 dated March 24, 1998. The main activity of the reserve-museum is the study, popularization, protection and control of restoration work on objects of historical and cultural heritage

The museum manages the historical monuments of Zhambyl region. This region has a rich and long history. There is a lot of evidence of key stages of historical development - the sites of ancient people, sanctuaries with petroglyphs and stone sculptures, burial grounds and burial mounds of nomads, medieval towns and settlements, architectural monuments of the Aulieatinsky period. There are 110 historical and cultural monuments under the jurisdiction of the reserve-museum "Monuments of Ancient Taraz", of which 28 have the status of republican significance, built in different historical periods, starting from the Stone Age to the present day, located both within the city and on the territory of the region. Among them are such famous and popular tourist sites as the ancient settlement of Taraz, the mausoleum of Aisha Bibi, the mausoleum of Babaji Khatun, the mausoleum of Karakhan, the Mausoleum of Dautbek, the mysterious complex of Akyrtas and the Mausoleum of Tekturmas.

Over the years of the existence of the reserve-museum, a lot of work has been done and some experience has been gained in studying, protecting and restoring monuments, and promoting them. Within the framework of the national strategic program "Cultural Heritage", and within the framework of the program "Revival of historical centers on the Great Silk Road, preservation and continuous development of the cultural heritage of the Turkic-speaking states", an infrastructure for the development of historical tourism is being created. Since 2002, restoration work has been carried out on 15 objects of historical and cultural heritage of national significance. In 2013, the monument of the Aulie-Ata period of the city of Taraz was restored - the former House of Officers (3 Bekturganova str.), built in 1900. Archaeological work begun in different years continues on medieval settlements: Taraz, Kulan and Ornek (T.Ryskulov district), Balasagun (Aktobe Spepninskoye, Shusky district), Tyumekent (Baizak district), Bektobe (Zhambyl district). Thus, monuments - medieval cities, caravanserais, mausoleums and mosques - are becoming more popular every year, visited by tourists from different countries and residents from different regions and cities of our republic. Work continues on the identification and study of historical artifacts previously unknown to the general public. The reserve-museum is also engaged in scientific activities, produces scientific literature, brochures, guidebooks, booklets. To date, a 3-volume book has been published, under the general title "Monuments of ancient Taraz", separate booklets dedicated to each object. The museum staff publishes scientific articles in national, regional and local newspapers and magazines.