Chingirlau Historical and Local Lore Museum

The Shyngyrlau District Historical and Local History Museum was established in 2018 as a structural subdivision of the West Kazakhstan Regional Historical and Local History Museum. The main goal of the institution is the collection, preservation, and popularization of the rich historical and cultural heritage of the Shyngyrlau District, as well as the implementation of scientific and educational activities among the population.

Currently, the museum features five exhibition halls:

1. Hall of Archaeology and Ecology - This hall presents artifacts discovered during archaeological excavations at the Segizsay and Ylekshar burial mound complexes located in the Shyngyrlau District. The exhibition includes: Ceramic vessels from the Sarmatian period; Horse harnesses; Fossilized remains of marine animals; Mammoth bone fragments; Bronze and iron vessels from the medieval period.

Also on display are taxidermied animals and birds native to the region.

2. Hall of District History - This exhibition reflects the main stages in the historical development of the Shyngyrlau District. The collection includes:

• Information about the district during the period of the Russian Empire;

• Samples of weapons and bonds from that time;

• Copies of archival documents from the Orenburg and West Kazakhstan State Archives;

• A section dedicated to World War II veterans, featuring copies of front-line letters, letters of gratitude, military memorabilia, and original documents donated by the veterans themselves;

• Household items from the Virgin Lands campaign period, along with historical information about that era.

3. Hall of National Spirituality - This hall is dedicated to the spiritual and literary heritage of Turkic and Kazakh peoples. On display are:

• Rare books in Arabic and Chagatai languages, published in the 19th century;

• Traditional jewelry typical of western Kazakhstan;

• A special section dedicated to the famous 18th-century batyr Tabyn Bokenbay Karabatyroly;

• Examples of traditional Kazakh applied art: wooden and copper utensils, elements of yurt interiors, and national clothing.

4. Hall of Prominent Figures of the Native Land - This hall features exhibitions dedicated to outstanding statesmen and public figures who contributed to the development of Kazakhstan and the Shyngyrlau District in various historical periods. It also highlights the achievements of the independence era and displays the state symbols of Kazakhstan. Temporary exhibitions tied to historical events are regularly organized here.

5. Exhibition Hall “Heritage of the People” - The exhibition features household items and examples of decorative-applied art from the early 20th century. Visitors can see: Furniture characteristic of that period; Works by local artisans: animal sculptures made of plaster and wood, oil-painted landscapes and self-portraits, woolen crafts, decorative pillows, and blankets with national ornaments. As of today, the museum’s collection includes 3,188 storage units. The collection is continuously expanded, systematized based on material, historical, and cultural value, and digitized.

The Shyngyrlau District Historical and Local History Museum is not only a local institution but also an important scientific and educational center aimed at preserving historical memory, fostering patriotic consciousness, and passing on national heritage to future generations.