Archaeological research in 2019 discovered a unique complex of rooms with altars located in the most ancient part of Turkistan - the Kultobe settlement. This monument is a high-density development of the early Middle Ages.
The total area of the complex with altars, including the walls, is 773.7 sq.m., which includes the area of circular premises of 36.6 sq.m., two courtyards of 139.5 and 246.3 sq.m., and the total area of the premises - 122.4 sq.m.
Researchers believe that the altar rooms represent home fire sanctuaries. Evidenced by the catacomb nature of these structures, due to the hidden lifestyle of its inhabitants. Indeed, the X-XI centuries characterized by a period of active Islamization of South Kazakhstan, and the adherents of Zoroastrianism continued the old religion.
The floor-mounted clay altars represent a rectangular area in the center of the room, which is framed by low sides. In its center is a hole with ash and coals, into which a ceramic vessel was dug.
In architectural word, the circular shape of the premises facilitated the simple organization of the structure of the roofs in a dome form without an intermediate tier of sails, which facilitated the task of ancient architects.
Such premises have been characteristic of the Syrdarya region since the first centuries BC and up to the X-XI centuries and demonstrate one of the important episodes in the history and culture of ancient Kazakhstan.
