Ancient fortresses of Kazakhstan -
Sights of Karaganda and Ulytau regions -
The Aktau fortification, a star-shaped fortress, was built in 1836 on the territory of the then Russian Empire, now the territory of modern Kazakhstan. The fortress is a star-shaped structure, such a design in those days was very convenient for protecting the fortification from raids by robbers. This outpost was erected here to maintain law and order in the region, and its task was also to protect caravan routes. In 1838, the Aktau fortress was attacked by the army of Kenesary Khan during his uprising, the battle ended with a small skirmish and minor attacks on the caravans that were moving to the fortress. One of the legends says that the khan still managed to conquer the fortress, but there is no official data about this.
How to get there, visit -
The Aktau fortification is located 72 kilometers from the Agadyr station, 55 kilometers from the village of Zhanaarka, 86 kilometers from the village of Karazhal, the border of the Karaganda and Ulytau regions, the Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 48°13'16"N 71°53'25"E
Information -
The Aktau fortification, also known as the Aktavskoe fortification, was well protected, firstly, by its unusual shape. Its shape is clearly visible from space; it is shaped like a star with long rays. When the enemy tried to attack the fortress, he needed to move along the rays of the star deep into the structure, which gave the defenders of the fortress an incredible advantage. At that time, the defenders of the fortress had cannons and shotguns with grapeshot; it was enough to fire one volley of guns at the advancing enemies along the fortification wall, which immediately pacified the ardor of the enemies, and they retreated. The Aktau fortification was built according to the type of fortifications of the Tobol-Ishim defensive line of the Siberian Linear Cossack Army; these were well-thought-out and self-sufficient military structures that could be under siege for a long time and not be taken.
Aktau fortification in Ulytau region
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