FLASHBACK

In the ethno-memorial complex “Atameken” is really unique, bearing historical and cultural value – monuments and memorials. Every year hundreds of tourists from around the world admire sights of the open air museum. Many of them have entered a treasury of historical and cultural heritage of the Kazakh people. One of such monuments is the mausoleum of Kabanbai Batyr.

The mausoleum of the famous Kazakh commander – Karakerei Kabanbay batyr is one of the famous attractions of Kazakhstan. It is located in the rural district Kabanbay Batyr, Tselinograd district, Akmola region, 4 km North-East of Kyzylzhar village and 20 km South of Astana. The mausoleum was built in 2000 by architect Akzhaiyk Saumenov on the alleged burial place of the legendary Batyr.

Yerasyl Kabanbay was born on the bank of the Syr Darya, supposedly in 1691. In childhood he lost his father and brother. They died in dzungar invasion. Youth Kabanbay joined the ranks of the fighters against the dzungars. For many years he had glorified his name in the fight against the enemy. For courage and bravery he has got many nicknames: Izbasar – successor of the heroic deeds of his father, Karbala – the young athlete, as the one-humped camel, Daraboz – special among equals, Kaban – troublemaker of enemy forces. One of them eventually became part of his name. Kabanbay led the defense of the city Turkestan – the capital of the Kazakh khanate. He also commanded the kazakh army in such a strategically important battle, as Bulanty (1729), Anrakay (1729), Ili (1730), Shagan (1735), Shorgin (1740). Won outstanding victories at the battle of Lake Alakol in 1725, at the battle of Shubarteniz and on the Northern shore of Balkhash in 1728. After the warrior’s death in 1770, on the site of his grave was placed yurt.

Then his relatives built mazar. He stood till the 50-ies of the 20th century, but then was broken and demolished during the development of virgin lands. The 25-meter mausoleum was built on the site of the graves of Kabanbay in our time. The total construction area 41.3 sq. m. the Mausoleum is built of high quality red brick. In architectural terms it combines features of the traditional steppe style architecture and Iranian architects. Tent set brings to mind the Gonbad-e Qabus – tower mausoleum of the beginning of XI century. In the mausoleum light is interestingly organized, the entrance part is curiously made, brilliantly interpreted in terms of star tower the base of the tent. In general, the architect sought to achieve the effect of lightness and soaring over the space. This is achieved through the narrow horizontal cracks at the foundation. Similarly, nomads in hot weather raised the edges of the koshma for airing the yurt. The overall shape of the monument resembles a military helmet, stressing that it was built in honor of the batyr. The monument is well designed combining modern and traditional ancient features.