The only surviving tower of ancient Sairam,
named after the Prophet Khizir.
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The Minaret of Khizir is the only surviving structure of ancient Sairam, named after the prophet Khizir. Dated to the XIX century, it is located in one of Kazakhstan’s oldest cities — Shymkent, within the Sairam residential area. This architectural monument was constructed from fired brick and originally reached a height of 10.5 meters. However, over time, it suffered damage due to earthquakes and natural phenomena. The mosque dedicated to the prophet Khizir, which served as a sanctuary in Sayram, comprised a small historical and cultural complex. By the 1920s, only an underground chamber and the partially ruined tower remained. Archaeologists surveyed the site of the mosque, uncovering preserved remnants and traces of its former grandeur.
Despite the destruction, it was established that the mosque had a rectangular courtyard with a door facing east. Today, the minaret serves as a religious and pilgrimage center for the city. On the eastern side, there is a residential building, while schools occupy the northern and western sides. Currently, the remaining part of the minaret reaches about 5 meters in height, with a base diameter of 2.5 meters. The upper section of the minaret is adorned with patterned bricks and arched openings facing different directions. A staircase leading upward is reinforced with wooden supports and a central brick column.
