Sacred objects
Mausoleum of Ibrahim Ata
Description: The Mausoleum of Ibrahim Ata is built over the grave of Sheikh Ibrahim, the father of Ahmed Yasawi, and is located in the northeastern part of Sayram. He is a revered figure who spread Sufi teachings and is honored by the people for his sanctity. Ibrahim is the 13th descendant of Isaak Baba, who is a descendant of Ali Abu Talib, the fourth of the «Four Rightly Guided Caliphs», according to the legend that has come down to us.
The first mausoleum, unable to withstand the test of time, fell into disrepair, and its walls collapsed. It was subsequently restored. The mausoleum measures 7 by 7 meters and stands at a height of 8.25 meters. The original structure dates back to the 16th-17th centuries. Following the collapse of the first dome in the late 19th to early 20th century, the roof was reconstructed. For many years, there was a threat of destruction to the mausoleum, which was situated on the roadside. Only in the 1990s, after special funds were allocated, was the road moved 20 meters away, and foundation reinforcement work was carried out on the mausoleum.
Address: Shymkent city, village Sayram, Ibrahim Ata Street
The first mausoleum, unable to withstand the test of time, fell into disrepair, and its walls collapsed. It was subsequently restored. The mausoleum measures 7 by 7 meters and stands at a height of 8.25 meters. The original structure dates back to the 16th-17th centuries. Following the collapse of the first dome in the late 19th to early 20th century, the roof was reconstructed. For many years, there was a threat of destruction to the mausoleum, which was situated on the roadside. Only in the 1990s, after special funds were allocated, was the road moved 20 meters away, and foundation reinforcement work was carried out on the mausoleum.
Address: Shymkent city, village Sayram, Ibrahim Ata Street
Mausoleum of Karashash Ana
Description: The Mausoleum of Karashash Ana is located on the land of the ancient city of Isfijab, now known as Sayram. This mausoleum is a historical monument from the 19th century, designed in the portal-dome style characteristic of medieval architecture prevalent in the Turkestan region.
Karashash Ana's real name was Aisha-Bibi. She was the daughter of the renowned Sheikh Musa from Sayram and was regarded as the most educated and cultured woman of her time. People from distant towns and villages sought her counsel. She was famous for her rare gift of healing, helping people overcome various ailments, and for her ability to interpret and understand dreams. Hailing from a wealthy and noble family, Karashash Ana remained close and accessible to ordinary people, which contributed to her widespread fame and affection far beyond her city. In the eyes of the people, Karashash Ana embodies the ideal and symbol of motherhood.
According to popular beliefs, visiting the mausoleum of Karashash Ana brings happiness in personal life, while women may attain the long-awaited blessing of motherhood.
Address: Shymkent city, located in the center of the Sayram residential area
Karashash Ana's real name was Aisha-Bibi. She was the daughter of the renowned Sheikh Musa from Sayram and was regarded as the most educated and cultured woman of her time. People from distant towns and villages sought her counsel. She was famous for her rare gift of healing, helping people overcome various ailments, and for her ability to interpret and understand dreams. Hailing from a wealthy and noble family, Karashash Ana remained close and accessible to ordinary people, which contributed to her widespread fame and affection far beyond her city. In the eyes of the people, Karashash Ana embodies the ideal and symbol of motherhood.
According to popular beliefs, visiting the mausoleum of Karashash Ana brings happiness in personal life, while women may attain the long-awaited blessing of motherhood.
Address: Shymkent city, located in the center of the Sayram residential area
Mausoleum of Abdel Aziz Baba
Description: The Mausoleum of Abdel Aziz Baba, dating back to the 8th century, is an architectural monument dedicated to the spirit of Abdel Aziz Baba, located in the village of Sayram, near the city of Shymkent. The current mausoleum was built in the 19th century on the site of a previous, dilapidated structure. Abdel Aziz Baba was a promoter and preacher of Islam in the territory of modern Kazakhstan. He earned the nickname «balegerdan», which means «the one who drives away misfortune», and was renowned for his ability to help people overcome hardships and achieve purification.
Address: Shymkent сity, located in the center of the Sayram residential area
Address: Shymkent сity, located in the center of the Sayram residential area
Mausoleum of Khoja Salikh
Description: Located in the central part of the village, the Mausoleum of Khoja Salikh stands along the road leading to the village of Karamurt. This 19th-century mausoleum is distinct from the portal-dome mausoleums that preceded it. Its square-plan roof is adorned with two domes, one placed atop the other. Unfortunately, the outer dome has not survived to this day. The four facades of the mausoleum feature pointed niches, giving it a unique appearance. The interior wall of the southern facade is embellished with a depiction of a flower in a pot, which adds a special charm to this historical monument.
Address: Shymkent city, located in the eastern part of the Sayram residential area
Address: Shymkent city, located in the eastern part of the Sayram residential area
Mausoleum of Koshkar - Ata
Description: One of the landmarks of Shymkent is the Mausoleum of Koshkar - Ata. Despite the absence of written records regarding the person buried here, numerous legends have emerged around his identity, passed down through generations. According to traditions, Koshkar - Ata held his spiritual heritage in high regard and was well-versed in the Quran and Hadith. He was greatly respected among the people and was appointed as a kazi (judge).
It is believed that he was a contemporary and disciple of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, who inspired him with his teachings. Koshkar - Ata honored his mentor and diligently studied his works, making him a significant figure in the spiritual life of the region.
Address: Shymkent city, located along the Koshkar - Ata river
It is believed that he was a contemporary and disciple of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, who inspired him with his teachings. Koshkar - Ata honored his mentor and diligently studied his works, making him a significant figure in the spiritual life of the region.
Address: Shymkent city, located along the Koshkar - Ata river
Minaret of Khizir
Description: The Minaret of Khizir is the only surviving structure of ancient Sayram, named after the prophet Khizir. Dated to the 19th century, it is located in one of Kazakhstan's oldest cities — Shymkent, within the Sayram 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.
Address: Shymkent city, located in the center of the Sayram residential area
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.
Address: Shymkent city, located in the center of the Sayram residential area
Mound of Martobe
Description: In Kazakh history, the Mound of Martobe is known as the area where the hill served as a steppe parliament. While there are many hills in the Kazakh steppe, Martobe is unique in its significance.
It was here that the very first Kurultai took place, where the elders of Kazakh clans and tribes gathered to discuss important issues concerning migration, grazing lands, and international relations. Due to its location near major cities such as Tashkent and Turkestan, as well as its favorable natural conditions, Martobe became a gathering place for significant assemblies.
Following the death of Abulkhair Khan, the organization and unification of the Kazakh people occurred at Martobe. Additionally, it was here that the seal of the «Zheti Zhargy» of Tauke Khan — the first steppe law — was established, which became the foundation for the legal order among the Kazakhs.
Address: Shymkent city, located in the eastern part of the Sayram residential area
It was here that the very first Kurultai took place, where the elders of Kazakh clans and tribes gathered to discuss important issues concerning migration, grazing lands, and international relations. Due to its location near major cities such as Tashkent and Turkestan, as well as its favorable natural conditions, Martobe became a gathering place for significant assemblies.
Following the death of Abulkhair Khan, the organization and unification of the Kazakh people occurred at Martobe. Additionally, it was here that the seal of the «Zheti Zhargy» of Tauke Khan — the first steppe law — was established, which became the foundation for the legal order among the Kazakhs.
Address: Shymkent city, located in the eastern part of the Sayram residential area
Mausoleum of Mirali Baba
Description: The Mausoleum of Mirali Baba was constructed at the end of the 19th century over the grave of a revered holy figure and great scholar. This cubic structure, crowned with an impressive 9-meter tin dome, is situated in the center of the village of Sayram, within the old cemetery, near the intersection of two main streets.
The mausoleum measures 9.8 by 6.4 meters, with the dome reaching a height of 9 meters. The walls of the building are left unplastered, made from large fired bricks, indicating multiple repairs and renovations throughout its history.
This mausoleum honors a religious scholar who lived during the late 11th to early 12th centuries and continues to be an important site of cultural and historical heritage in the region.
Address: Shymkent city, on the western side of the Sayram residential area
The mausoleum measures 9.8 by 6.4 meters, with the dome reaching a height of 9 meters. The walls of the building are left unplastered, made from large fired bricks, indicating multiple repairs and renovations throughout its history.
This mausoleum honors a religious scholar who lived during the late 11th to early 12th centuries and continues to be an important site of cultural and historical heritage in the region.
Address: Shymkent city, on the western side of the Sayram residential area
