Medieval Saraishyq - the capital of the Kazakh Khanate
RSPE State Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve "Saraishyq"
Virtual tour

Gurkhanas

Restoration. XV c.

Unusual graves having a square, domed shape, known as gurkhanas, are most common in the Nogai period of Saraishyq. They were built of baked bricks and for a long time were a crypt in which members of the same family or tribe were buried. It was reused for the burial of deceased family members.

There are column-type construction sites located here. These are the remains of a mosque. The order of the three columns shows that the building faces towards Mecca. In Saraishyq lived the Seyds, who are considered descendants of the Prophet Muhammad, who are particularly respected among Muslim believers. Representatives of different levels of the religion of Islam (Sheikh, Hafiz, Mullah, Sufi, Daruish) have left a bright mark in preserving the foundations of morality in the Nogai-Kazakh culture. They actively participated in the life of society, advising statesmen, participating in diplomatic negotiations.

Archaeological excavations were carried out by the West Kazakhstan archaeological expedition led by archaeologist Z. Samashev.

Work schedule

Monday/Sunday: 09:00-18:30

No lunch / days off

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E-mail: museumsaraishik@mail.ru