Isatay District Branch of the Atyrau Regional Museum of History and Local Lore
In 1991, to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Isatay Taimanuly, a museum named after him was opened in the village of Akkyistau, the administrative center of Isatay District. Today, the museum houses numerous historically valuable exhibits.
The total area of the museum is 447 square meters. The museum's collection consists of 5,192 registered items.
The primary mission of the Isatay Taimanuly Museum is the preservation, study, and promotion of the historical and cultural heritage of the Isatay District, and its presentation to future generations. The museum serves an important cultural and educational role by introducing local residents and visitors to the rich history of the region, its ethnography, archaeology, and natural features, while also fostering national values and strengthening patriotic spirit.
The museum’s exhibitions are organized into several thematic sections:
1. "History of the Region" Hall - This hall showcases materials on the founding of the Bukey Horde, including maps of the khanate, photographs, and information about Zhangir Khan, as well as details about the life of Makesh Bekmukhambetov. It also contains unique exhibits connected to Isatay Taimanuly and Makhambet Utemisuly. The hall features photographs of mausoleums of notable individuals, and materials on heroes, poets, and writers. Exhibitions dedicated to Bokey Khan, Zhangir Khan, Makesh Bekmukhambetov, Isatay Taimanuly, and Makhambet Utemisuly include documents, photographs, albums, battle axes, whips, sabers, maces, clubs, and arrows with metal tips.
2. "History of the District" Hall - This section covers the history of the establishment of Isatay District. It highlights the labor achievements of local residents in livestock breeding: for outstanding successes, several veterans were awarded the Red Banner of the State Defense Committee of the USSR three times-a symbol that has been preserved as a permanent memorial. The hall also honors the heroism of local participants in the Great Patriotic War. The section titled “We Were a People with Art” explores the history of the folk theater of Akkyistau village and features the contributions of Mendigali Suleimenov, a student of the great kuishi Kurmangazy, and his son Khisemet Mendigaliyev. Additionally, the hall covers topics such as agriculture, war veterans, culture and sports, and the socio-economic realities of various periods. It also presents biographies and achievements of prominent local individuals.
3. "Honored Personalities of the District" Hall - The people of Isatay District take pride in their distinguished fellow countrymen who have become respected figures at the national level. In this hall, visitors can find photographs, documents, books, and personal belongings of scientists, professors, and doctors such as Zhamel Ikhdanov, Kiyaseden Rakhmetov, Khamit Nurzhanov, Zhanai Berkaliev, Babash Abilkassymov, Zhanuzak Yesmukhanov, Syrym Kazhenbayev, Gibadolla and Ginyat Myrzagaliyevs, and Salakhiden Sabekenov.
4. "Ethnography, Nature, and Archaeology of the Region" Hall - The ethnographic section features artifacts illustrating the customs, traditions, and everyday items used by the Kazakh people over the centuries. Among the unique traditional items on display are collections of jewelry and elements of yurt interiors: a wooden pillow (baldyk), a carved chest (kebezhe), üldirik, millstones, a mortar, and more.
One of the most popular halls among visitors is dedicated to the natural environment and archaeological discoveries of the region. Nature is depicted as humanity’s home, its golden cradle, and a source of wealth and abundance. The hall includes taxidermy of various birds and wild animals, such as the corsac fox and raccoon, as well as deer antlers. Archaeological treasures include, for example, clay pottery discovered at the Zhasqairat site.