Mausoleum of Jochi Khan

Jochi Khan

Jochi Khan, the eldest son of Genghis Khan, is fearless warrior, commander and the one who conquered the Kazakh steppes. We still have the opportunity to see the tomb of the Jochi khan, located on the banks of the Kengir River, 50 km northeast of Zhezkazgan. Jochi khan is considered the ancestor of the Kazakh khans. He was also famous for his good attitude towards his subordinates. He was buried in Ulytau when he died in 1227.

Architecturally, it has a rectangular form. It is made of baked brick and plaster. The majestic portal adorns the shrine. Tile bricks used in decoration are 45x45 cm in size. On these bricks was an inscription as well as decorations. From the inside, the shelves seem to rise twice, forming the high dome that rests on the six-sided drum. The inner dome is 8 m.

All these findings are closely connected with the legend about the death of Jochi khan. Jochi, the son of a great Khan of the Golden Horde, was so busy hunting wild kulans that a group of people accompanying him were far behind. The leader of the wild kulans, famous Lame Kulan, strong and brave, not even afraid of wolves, turned his back unexpectedly and attacked the hunter. The attack of the Lame Kulan was so enraged that Jochi fell from the horse, injured his neck and died on the spot. There are still legends about the burial of the khan among the people. They say he was buried without arms. It is also said that his grief-stricken father ordered to pour hot lead into the black messenger's throat, and thus a round hole appeared in the Kazakh dombra. The mysterious shrine dedicated to Jochi Khan in the 40s of the last century was investigated. Soviet scientists discovered the remains of a man and a woman in the tomb. Judging by the details of the funeral ceremony, they were representatives of the high-ranking Jochids. The second grave belongs to the elder wife of Jochi. Her name was Bektumysh, she was the daughter of the younger brother of Togyryl khan, who ruled the Kereys khanate. The tomb was built with bricks.

Jochi Khan
the tomb of the Jochi khan
 
Jochi Khan
decoration