Sairam Museum

The Sairam Museum is a branch of the «Shymkent City Museum Association» State Communal Government Enterprise (SKGE).

Founded in April 1992 at the initiative of historian and professor M. Mirkhalkarov, the museum today houses nearly 9,000 artefacts. The museum’s rich and diverse collection is spread across ten exhibition halls, each offering a distinct insight into the region’s past and cultural heritage.

Exhibition Halls:
Archaeology Hall
This hall showcases ancient ceramic items unearthed from archaeological excavations, including medicinal vessels and fragments of ancient hearths. The pottery, utensils, and tools on display provide a fascinating window into the early history and culture of the region.

Kazakh Ethnography Hall
Dedicated to the traditional lifestyle, customs, and spiritual heritage of the Kazakh people, this hall features household items, ornate jewellery, traditional garments, and elements of the yurt (nomadic dwelling). Visitors will also see 19th-early 20th century home furnishings, decorative objects, and horse-riding equipment.

The Economy of the City of Isfijab Hall
This exhibit presents portraits of Kokand khans and samples of the traditional paranja (veil) worn by women of that era. The hall also includes tools, scales used in trade, and documents from the political and social events in Sairam during the 1930s-1940s, along with rare photographs and artefacts relating to prominent historical figures.

World War II Hall
Dedicated to the memory of local heroes who fought in World War II, this exhibit contains the uniforms, medals, documents, and photographs of Sairam-born Heroes of the Soviet Union and war veterans. Over 100 artefacts belonging to soldiers are preserved here.

Slavic Migrants’ Lifestyle Hall
This space highlights the traditions of Slavic peoples who settled in the region - featuring their cultural practices, musical instruments, traditional crafts, household items, and decorative art.

Uzbek Ethnography Hall
This hall explores the long-standing customs, daily life, and cultural legacy of the Uzbek people. Displays include clothing, jewellery, textiles, utensils, and musical instruments used in everyday life and ceremonial contexts.

Independence Hall
This exhibition focuses on the December 1986 events, when Kazakh youth in Almaty protested against the colonial and authoritarian policies of the Soviet government. The hall also chronicles the country’s path to sovereignty and its achievements since gaining independence.

Veterans of Labour Hall
This exhibit honours local heroes of labour - D. Sydyk, O. Zhamalov, N. Yuldashev, Zh. Ayazbaev, S. Mirsultanova, S. Yuldashev, N. Suleymanov, Kh. Abdukadirova, Sh. Dosmetov, Yu. Madiyev, and T. Khaitmetov - with personal photographs, awards, medals, documents, and letters of gratitude.

Nature Hall
Features specimens of animals and birds listed in the Red Book, collections of rocks, and medicinal plants native to the region.

Historical Sites Hall
Dedicated to architectural landmarks of Sairam, including images of the mausoleums of Ibrahim Ata, Karashash Ana, Mirali Baba, and Abd al-Aziz Bap. Also on display are ancient Arabic manuscripts such as Nasabnama, the Qur’an, and other rare books.

Visitor Guidelines:
Do not touch the exhibits.

Food and beverages are not allowed inside the exhibition halls.

Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

Ticket Information:
Entry fees vary by age and whether you choose to visit selected or all museum halls. (See tariff list.)

Children under 7 years old - Free admission

Ages 7 to 18 - Child rate

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

Free Admission For:
Persons with disabilities - Groups I & II

Veterans of the Great Patriotic War

Orphans, children from low-income families, mothers of many children

Afghan War veterans, and military conscripts

50% Discount For:
Persons with disabilities - Group III