Address: South-Kazakhstan region, Otrar district, Shaulder village. Tel: +7 (7254) 42-11-50
The Otrar state archeological museum-reservation was organized on May 11, 1979 by the Decision of the Council of Ministers of Kazakh SSR.Asmall museum in school on Timur's station founded by the artist and historian Asantay Alimov on May 17, 1967 became its prototype. Intheperiodof 1975-1976 the museum was a district branch of the regional museum of history and local history. The foundation of the modern building of the museum was laid in 1979 and in 1982 the museum was opened for visitors.The Otrar museum became the main scientific-research center and storehouse of archeological values found during excavations of the unique monument of history – the ancient settlement Otrar which had been playing a role of economic and trade center for more than 200 years.
The reservation-museum takes the territory with total area – 3048, 5 square meters.The Otrar state archeological reservation-museum consists of 4 republican archeological monuments of republican status, 216 local archeological monuments. Ancient towns of the town of Otrar oasis are among them, they are: Otrartobe, Kuiryktobe, Kokmardan, Altyntobe, Aktobe, Zhalpaktobe, Arystan-bap mausoleum and other historical monuments.
The exposition of the museum is divided into two sections: archeological and ethnographical.The earliest pieces in the archeological hall date from the age of bronze. In general it is pottery and other kitchen utensils, found during excavations of Otrar town, ancient settlement and necropolis Kokmardan. The most interesting pieces are charms in the form of figures of animals, often a sheep, a dog and a horse. Among pieces there are many remains of tools showing the development of agriculture and nomadic cattle breeding. A wide range from ceramics was presented on the exhibition. Most of them were restored by restorers. The colors and solidity of the material which are independent from the century amaze visitors. Hums prevail in a group of the dish for storage and transportation water and foodproducts. Also ceramic lamps, dastarkhan date from 11-12 centuries of our era, kumgans, buckets. Alsoclaybricks, panel using for tiling walls of mosques and floors in public bathhouses. Fragments of water supply system show a high level of the development of the town.
Clayware, fragile chinaware, ironic tools, golden, silver and copper coins. Remains from wheat and cotton, carved wooden panels, glass, bricks and tiled panels from terracotta date from the late period of development Otyrar – XVII century.
Ethnographical section shows exhibits of XIX –XX centuries which were found from local residents, they are everyday items, jewelry, musical instruments, tools connected with nomadic cattle breeding, agriculture, fishery, hunting.There are things of falconry closely connected with spiritual culture of people and furniture of yurts: jewelry - earrings, rings, pendants for braids-sholpy. They add a special magnificence to the exposition.
Abu-Nasyral-Farabi Library is also organized in the museum. More than 3000 editions, works of al-Farabi and his pupils are kept in the museum.
The museum takes an active part in researches.In 2001 the Otrar state archeological museum-reservation with Republican scientific-research institution in collaboration with Japan take part in restoration and conservation of monuments of ancient Taraz. The work by the program «Revival of ancient Otrar» was placed on abroad footing in the course of realization the state program «Cultural heritage». 30 unknown historical monuments in the course of research which was carried out at the bank of the Syrdariya. The east bathhouse of XIVcentury was restored. Last year eastern gates were excavated in Otrar.
Memorial museum of Baurzhan Momyshuly is located in Zhualinsk district, Aksai region, the village Kairat, Abay street 1 “b”. The construction of the museum began in 1990. Solemn opening of the museum was held on May 5 of 1995 and it became available to be visited.
The names of many really and truly great scientists are connected with Taraz: Kashgari, Dulati, Balasaguni, Said al-Tarazi, and the academician Skryabin can be placed in line with these pillars of science of the East Middle Ages.