Shym Kala Historical and Cultural Complex

Shym Kala Historical and Cultural Complex is an officially recognised archaeological site, listed as a monument of local historical and cultural significance in the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Archaeological Discoveries
Early Medieval Residential Complex (11th-12th centuries, Karakhanid era)
Discovered during excavations in 2017, this residential site dates back to the Karakhanid period. The structure comprises three rooms and two corridors. The walls were built using adobe and sun-dried clay bricks. Yards of that time were often paved with fired bricks and featured underground sewage systems (tashnaus), which carried waste water away from households.

The kitchen, equipped with a hearth and a traditional clay platform (syppa), had a red fired brick floor. Characteristic Karakhanid bricks from this period typically measured 24×24 cm with a thickness of 3-4 cm.

Blacksmith’s Dwelling (16th-17th centuries, Kazakh Khanate period)
Excavations in the western Shahristan area revealed the foundations of a blacksmith's house dating back to the Kazakh Khanate era. The building was constructed from simple, natural materials - clay from the banks of the Koshkar-Ata River, known locally as shym. These homes were naturally cool in summer and warm in winter.

The blacksmith’s home consisted of a guest room, a bedroom, and a private resting room. The rest area featured a syppa, a raised clay platform heated from below during cold seasons for comfortable sitting and sleeping.

The «Traditions of Shymkent Residents» Hall
This exhibition offers an immersive experience into the traditional lifestyle and customs of the Kazakh people, showcasing reconstructed interiors of sedentary dwellings inspired by the layout of a traditional yurt.

Kazakh folk craftsmanship plays a central role in the display:
Wooden domestic items include hand-carved round tables, chests, cupboards (kebezhe), churns (kuby), ladles, and bowls - all made from a variety of native woods by master artisans.

The exhibit also features ceramic artefacts dating from the 1st century BC to the 19th century, such as jugs, bowls, cups, pitchers, and ceramic flasks once used for transporting liquids on camels and horses.

«Southern Citadel» Hall
This section explores the political influences of the Kokand Khanate and the Russian Empire on the ancient city. Artefacts on display include 19th-century weaponry, defensive gear, and writing instruments from administrative offices of the era.

Underground Fortress Hall
A striking architectural space created to reflect the historic underground fortifications. The exhibit features antique weapons, cannons, and ceramic vessels from the 15th-16th centuries, including bowl fragments, oil lamps, and inkpots.

The ceramic pieces, painted in hues of blue, brown, and green, were crafted from clay. Among them are spheroconuses - flasks used by alchemists in the 12th century to store and transport liquids, perfumes, and medicines.

Inkpots, used for holding ink, were also crafted from both clay and leather. Traditional storage jars served everyday needs, storing food grains or liquids. One passageway within the underground structure was once connected to a hidden route leading to the ancient city of Ispidzhab (modern-day Sayram).

Visitor Guidelines
Touching exhibits is strictly prohibited.

No food or drink is allowed inside exhibition halls.

Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

Admission
Ticket prices vary by age and type of visit (individual hall or full complex access - see rates).

Children under 7 - free entry

Ages 7 to 18 - child ticket

Ages 18 to 22 - student rate (valid student ID required)

Free Admission For:

People with disabilities (groups I & II)

Veterans of the Great Patriotic War

Orphans, children from low-income families

Mothers of large families, Afghan War veterans, military conscripts

50% Discount:

People with group III disabilities