Erlik Museum

The "Erlik" Museum is one of the patriotic museums, holding a special place in the spiritual and cultural space of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The museum is located in the city of Shymkent and is distinguished by its dedication to the military history of the country, especially the feats of citizens who displayed heroism during the Great Patriotic War, the Afghan War, and other military conflicts. The museum was founded in 2012 and was approved as a branch of the South Kazakhstan Regional Historical and Local Lore Museum in 2013. Currently, it is part of the "Union of City Museums of Shymkent."

The main mission of the museum is to familiarize people with Kazakhstan's heroic military history, to instill a sense of patriotism in the younger generation, and to immortalize the names of warriors who faithfully fulfilled their duty to the Motherland. The museum's exhibitions cover the feats of Kazakh soldiers at the front during the Great Patriotic War, the selfless labor of the workers in the rear, as well as the participation of troops in military actions in Afghanistan. In this regard, the high fighting spirit of the Kazakh people, their military qualities, and heroism in fulfilling their civic duty are widely represented.

The "Erlik" Museum occupies an area of 494 square meters. The total number of exhibits is 5,454 units.

The "Erlik Museum" consists of 5 halls:

1. "Hall of the Great Patriotic War" - provides information about the events of 1941-1945 and the brave compatriots who defended the Motherland from the enemy. The museum houses valuable relics, documents, orders and medals, photographs, and personal belongings of veterans of the Great Patriotic War.

2. "Hall of the Afghan War" - tells about the events of the Afghan War from 1979 to 1989. The exhibition displays documentary materials, clothing, and belongings of soldiers and officers who participated in the battles, both those who perished and those who returned home alive.

3. "Hall of Workers of the Rear" - is dedicated to the invaluable contributions of those who worked in the rear during the difficult years of war to bring about the Great Victory. The hall features materials, photographs, and household items of rear workers.

4. "Hall Dedicated to Veterans of the Events of Zheltoksan, Semipalatinsk Nuclear Tests, and the Karabakh War" - the exhibition is organized to showcase the heroic path, life struggles, and merits of these veterans to the people. Here are presented their orders and medals, various awards, official certifications, military and civilian photographs, as well as historical documents. These exhibits reflect not only the fates of individual persons but also an entire era of struggle and courage.

5. "Hall of Independent Kazakhstan" - this hall reflects the most significant events in the modern history of Kazakhstan on the path to independence. Exhibits from the museum's collections are displayed.