Archaeological Park “Boralday Saka Burial Mounds”

In the northwest of Almaty, on the left bank of the Bolshaya Almatinka River, lies a unique burial complex known as the Boralday Kurgans. This site comprises 47 burial mounds dating back to the early Iron Age (approximately the 6th to 3rd centuries BCE). The necropolis stretches over 3 kilometers in length and 800 meters in width, marking it as a significant historical landmark. These kurgans serve as the burial grounds of the Saka and Wusun tribes. At the heart of the site stands the largest mound, towering 14 meters high with a diameter of 100 meters, believed to be the tomb of a tribal leader or a member of the nobility. The other mounds vary in size, with heights ranging from 1 to 6 meters and diameters between 10 and 80 meters.

The Saka people were known for their cultural sophistication and advanced construction techniques, especially in their burial practices. Their method of mound construction is particularly noteworthy. The kurgans were built using a technique that resembles a “layered cake,” where alternating layers of stone and soil were stacked in such a way that they reinforced each other, allowing these burial mounds to remain intact through the centuries. This unique construction method has helped preserve the kurgans in near-pristine condition to this day.

Another remarkable feature of the Boralday necropolis is its untouched topography and landscape. Since the first archaeological excavations led by renowned archaeologist Ageyeva in 1956, the site has remained largely unchanged. Today, the Boralday Saka Kurgans are managed by the Almaty Museum, and within the complex lies the “Boralday Saka Burial Mounds” Archaeological Park, which functions as an open-air museum. Visitors to the park can learn about the ancient tribes that once inhabited this region, view cross-sections of the burial mounds, and explore replicas of ancient Saka dwellings. The exhibits include a wide array of artifacts, from household items and clothing to sundials and weaving looms, providing a vivid glimpse into the everyday lives of these early peoples.

The Archaeological Park is considered a sacred site in Kazakhstan due to its immense historical and cultural significance. It offers a rare opportunity to delve into the history of the ancient Saka civilization, which played a crucial role in shaping the early cultural landscape of the region.