Karasai and Agyntai Batyr Memorial Complex

This Memorial Complex is a monument dedicated to two Kazakh warriors of the 17th century, Karasai and Agyntai Batyr. Karasai and Agyntai Batyr fought together against the Dzungars for decades. The complex was opened in 1999 and is located 22 km southwest of Saumalkol, the nearest main settlement. The monument is 16 m high, and two brown brick cones stand side-by-side, resembling oasthouses or giant termite mounds. Compositionally, the complex figuratively describes the traditions of the old Turkish khanate values. Buildings in the form of two battle helmets are set on a high hill. Nearby are the crossed spears of ancient warriors. In front of them, a mosque is a slightly smaller building with a circular base and an inverted ice cream cone roof. It is placed between two shrines and symbolically unites them in prayer. The entire complex is oriented towards Mecca, with its main axis oriented the mihrab protrusion of the mosque. Around the domes are several more tombs of ancient warriors. There is a hotel next to the mausoleum for visitors and tourists. The entrance to the building, surrounded by a brick fence, is distinguished by two towers and leads to the platform intended for sacrificial rites.

Karasai Batyr was a member of the Shaprashty tribe of Great Zhuz in Almaty Region and Agyntai Batyr was a member of the Argyn tribe of Middle Zhuz from the north of the country. President Nazarbayev belongs to the same tribe, which is probably a factor in the current popularity of Karasai Batyr. The focus on these personalities in post-independence Kazakhstan is based on the idea of Kazakhs of different tribes working together for a greater common purpose. The warriors are believed to have participated in more than 200 bloody battles over a 48-year period, including famous victories such as the 1643 Battle of Orbulak. These two warriors died within a year between 1671 and 1672 and are buried on the nearby Kulshynbay-Tobe hill.

You can reach the complex from Saumalkol, the main settlement in the area. On the road to Ruzaevka, go southwest, after 3 km turn left on a road marking the Karasai and Agyntai Batyr Memorial Complex. After 13 km, turn right again with the signs to the complex. The monument itself, two cones at the top of a low hill, can be seen from afar and guides the last 11 km towards it.

Karasai and Agyntai Batyr

 

Monument