• About Kultobe settlement

The ancient Kultobe settlement of is the oldest cultural, religious and commercial center of the Great Silk Road, which at different times was called Shavgar–Yasy–Turkestan. The surveyed archaeological sites open a unique picture of the life of the city in the context of the four most important historical periods of Kazakhstan:

  • I–V centuries – sarmat-kangyu period, represented by a cross-shaped temple, a citadel and a fortress wall of the citadel;
  • VII–IX centuries – early medieval period with residential and public buildings surrounded by a fortified wall;
  • X–XII centuries – the medieval period, characterized as the heyday of urban culture and the life of Khoja Ahmed Yassawi;
  • XVI–XIX centuries – the period of the Kazakh Khanate, the times of strengthening the geopolitical and spiritual significance of this city for uniting nomadic tribes into a strong state association.

Each epoch of the settlement is represented by characteristic archaeological objects from sacred places to residential premises and many artifacts.

The Kultobe ancient settlement is an ancient fortified settlement and archaeological site located in Turkestan, Turkestan region of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The facility is located in the protected area of the monument inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List Khoja Ahmed Yassawi Mausoleum. Geographical coordinates: 43°17'35"N 68°16'15"E

 

Etymology

The toponym of “Kultobe” still does not have an unambiguous interpretation. There are currently two main versions. According to one of them, the etymology of the name "Kultobe" means "hill of ashes." Another version has a deeper meaning – “Kul-tobe” from the ancient Turkic “holy hill” or “holy peak”.