History of the Almaty region -
The oldest Saka graves and archaeological tourism in Kazakhstan -
In 1969, near the town of Esik in Kurgan IV, archaeologists made one of the most significant discoveries of the 20th century on the territory of Kazakhstan – a unique buried warrior in luxurious gold vestments was found, who went down in history as the "Issyk Golden Man". This discovery became a world-class sensation, because for the first time it was possible to see the true appearance of the ruler of the Saka era, and with it the artistic greatness of the ancient culture, which left behind a mystery and legend. His image has become a national symbol, embodying the greatness of the ancient culture of the Saka tribes and the thousand-year history of the Kazakh land. According to scientists, the burial dates back to the 5th–4th centuries BC, the heyday of the Saka civilization on the territory of Zhetysu. The warrior himself, who was no more than 18-20 years old, was dressed in magnificent clothes embroidered with thousands of gold plates and figurines. In total, archaeologists have found about 4,000 gold parts made in a unique technique of animal style. Each image had a sacred meaning: leopards symbolized military prowess, horses symbolized speed and heavenly protection, birds symbolized spirituality and connection with heaven, mountain goats symbolized abundance and prosperity.
The most impressive element of the "Golden Warrior" outfit was a tall headdress, a helmet pointing to the sky. Its height reached 70 centimeters, and the decoration consisted of golden plates in the form of horns, wings and arrows, which symbolized the power and heavenly origin of the ruler. The helmet emphasized the warrior's status as a sacred defender of the earth and mediator between people and heaven. Archaeological excavations revealed not only jewelry, but also weapons: a short sword-akynak, dagger, arrows. This confirms that the deceased was a warrior, possibly the heir to the Saka throne. The discovery of a silver bowl with an inscription made in one of the ancient alphabets still causes heated debate among scientists: some consider it proto-Turkic, others – Iranian-speaking. This inscription remains a mystery, like an encrypted message from the depths of time.
The Golden Man has become not only an archaeological discovery, but also an important symbol for modern Kazakhstan. His image has been recreated and immortalized in the country's main monuments, including the Independence Monument on Republic Square in Almaty, where he appears as a ruler controlling a winged leopard. This image reflects the idea of a strong state moving towards the future, but keeping in touch with its deep roots. Today, the original artifacts are kept in the Central State Museum of Kazakhstan, and reconstructions of the golden vestments can be seen in museums across the country. The Issyk Golden Man has become part of the national symbol: its silhouette is depicted on commemorative coins, souvenirs and symbols of independent Kazakhstan. Historians emphasize that such finds are rare and unique, because the golden vestments speak not only of wealth, but also of the sacred function of the ruler. The warrior from Issyk is the embodiment of the bond of generations, a symbol of eternity, perseverance and strength of the people.
The Golden Warrior from Issyk is not just an archaeological find, but a message from the depths of time addressed to descendants. His sparkling vestments seem to enliven the greatness of the Sakas, guardians of the steppes, and remind that Kazakhstan is the land of ancient kingdoms, heroes and sages. Today, the "Golden Man" stands at the center of national identity, connecting the past, present and future like a golden thread woven into the fabric of history. It has become a symbol of the independence, strength and spiritual wealth of the people. And everyone who looks at the radiant image of the young ruler will feel the breath of the ancient steppes, the eternal call of freedom and pride that this land holds secrets and greatness worthy of an entire civilization. The golden man is the golden heart of Kazakhstan, his immortal soul and a symbol of eternal dawn.
How to get there and visit -
To see the "Golden Man", you need to go to Gord Esik (60 km) to the Issyk mounds where the golden man was found, in the central museum of Almaty you can also see the installation of the "golden man", the original is kept in Astana in the State Museum of Gold and Precious Metals.
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