Archaeological sites in Zhetysu region -
Research and study of the ancient history of Zhetysu -
The Bayan-Zhurek settlement dates back to the Bronze Age (II millennium BC), and is located in a picturesque mountain valley, which is also called the Bayan-Zhurek Valley, at an altitude of 1509 meters above sea level. The valley is surrounded by the most beautiful mountains of the Zhetysu region and has several panoramic points. The settlement consists of the remains of ancient structures of our ancestors, which are stone fences laid out here in ancient times. These could be fences, as well as the remains of the ancient dwellings themselves, of which only a pile of rounded or square stones remained. Nearby are the famous rock carvings of Bayan-Zhurek, which are scattered throughout the valley, which adjoins the mountains of the Dzungarian Alatau. This is one of the valuable evidences that the lands of East Zhetysu were inhabited by people long before the appearance of the nomadic tribes of the Saka-Sarmatian period. It is best to travel to these places from the village of Kapal, which is located nearby. In the eastern part of the valley there is a famous place – Kalakai Sanctuary (pilgrimage site).
How to get there and visit -
The ancient settlement of Bayan-Zhurek is located 13 kilometers from the village of Kapal and 25 kilometers from the village of Arasan, 66 kilometers from the city of Talykorgan, Aksu district, Zhetysu region, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 45°07'10"N 79°12'29"E
Archaeology, information and history -
Research has shown that there was a large settlement of farmers and cattle breeders on Bayan-Zhurek. Fragments of ceramic dishes with ornaments (characteristic of the Andronovo culture), remains of stone-lined dwellings, tools made of bronze and stone (knives, arrowheads, sickles), burials dating back to the same era, with funeral gifts were found here. These finds suggest that the inhabitants were engaged not only in cattle breeding, but also in agriculture, and were also familiar with the metallurgy of bronze.
Bayan-Zhurek was one of the cultural centers of the region in the Bronze Age. The people who inhabited this place conducted an active exchange with neighboring tribes, which is confirmed by the finds of products uncharacteristic of the local tradition. Elements of both the Andronovo culture and local steppe traditions can be traced here, which makes the settlement important for studying the migrations and ethnogenesis of Central Asia. Petroglyphs of Bayan-Zhurek have been preserved near the settlement – rock carvings depicting hunting scenes, cult symbols, sun signs and animals. Scientists believe that they were associated with the religious beliefs of ancient tribes and could be part of the ritual life of the settlement. To this day, the mountain range is perceived as a "place of power." Local legends say that great warriors and shamans lived here, and the Bayan-Zhurek mountains served as protection and spiritual shelter for people.
Importance for science and tourism -
The Bayan-Zhurek settlement is a living page of the history of Kazakhstan, giving an idea of the development of ancient societies in the territory of Zhetysu. For archaeologists, it is of particular value as a link between the cultures of the Bronze and subsequent Iron Ages. For tourists, Bayan-Zhurek is an opportunity to touch ancient times: see petroglyphs, walk through places where people lived thousands of years ago, and feel the breath of history among the majestic mountains and steppes.
Attractions nearby:
Zhongar-Alatau National Park
Burkhan-Bulak Waterfall
Kora Gorge
Kora River
Kapal River
Karatal River
Koksu River
Tamshybulak Spring
Sievers Apple tree in Zhongar-Alatau Park
Semenov-Tyan-Shansky Peak
Tekeli Stupa (suburgan)
Lake Miketovo
Uygentas kurgan (stone hill)
Medieval town of Almalyk
Talapty Settlement
Maly Koytas settlement
Tasbas Settlement
Balpyk Bi Mausoleum
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