Museum of history of cotton farming of Turkestan region

The Museum of Cotton Farming History of Turkistan Region is a unique cultural and educational institution located in the Maktaaral district, which is considered the only region in Kazakhstan specializing in cotton production. The primary mission of the museum is to preserve, study, and promote the history of cotton farming, as well as to highlight its socio-economic importance, thereby emphasizing the historical role of the region in agriculture.

The origins of the museum date back to 1944. That year, in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the "Maktaaral" state farm, a successful agricultural exhibition was organized. Residents of the district donated historical artifacts to the exhibition's collection, which led to the decision to establish a permanent museum. The museum officially opened its doors in 1973.

In 2002, the institution was renamed the "Museum of Cotton Farming History of Maktaaral District." Since 2005, it has been funded from the regional budget. In 2007, the museum was transferred under the jurisdiction of the Department of Culture of the South Kazakhstan Region and was granted the status of a state communal treasury enterprise named the "Museum of Cotton Farming History of South Kazakhstan Region." In 2018, the museum was officially renamed the “State Communal Treasury Enterprise ‘Museum of Cotton Farming History of Turkistan Region’” under the Department of Culture and Language Development of Turkistan Region.

The museum carries out research, educational, and cultural activities aimed at comprehensively presenting the agricultural sector. Currently, its collection includes more than 10,500 items. The exhibition halls showcase historical stages in the development of cotton farming, products derived from cotton, tools and equipment used for weighing cotton, as well as biographical and award-related materials of agricultural labor veterans. Additionally, the exhibits feature photographs of cotton fields, a model of the "Fardzon" cotton-picking tractor, and other unique historical artifacts.

The Museum of Cotton Farming History of Turkistan Region holds a significant place in the cultural landscape of the country, serving as an important institution that reflects the agricultural potential of the region and underscores the historical and cultural significance of cotton production.