South Kazakhstan Regional History Museum

Founded in Shymkent during the 1920s, the South Kazakhstan Regional Historical and Local History Museum has evolved over its century-long existence, adapting its name and location several times. Today, it stands as one of Kazakhstan’s largest museums, a vital institution for the preservation and celebration of the country’s history and culture. The museum comprises four thematic halls that showcase not only Shymkent’s history but also that of the entire region. The exhibits are organized into the following categories:

1. Nature and Paleontology
2. Archaeological and Ethnographic Discoveries
3. The Era of the Kazakh Khanate
4. Independent Kazakhstan

Visitors can observe authentic artifacts from various ancient eras, including the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods, and delve into the lives of ancient tribes such as the Saka, Usun, and Kangly. Among the most significant exhibits is a collection of mineral resources, displayed in a central showcase in the Nature Hall. Another room features a traditional yurt interior presented in cross-section, providing an immersive look at the traditional lifestyle of Kazakh nomads. The museum’s mission is to guide its visitors on a journey through Kazakhstan’s history, from its early tribes to the development of the medieval Kazakh state under the leadership of its khans, the challenging years of famine, political repression, and wartime, leading up to modern Kazakhstan’s independence and progress.

While the archaeology and ethnography halls on the ground floor are well-curated and inspiring, the second floor offers a less engaging experience, with displays that include somewhat peculiar artifacts, such as personal pens belonging to local cultural figures and members of parliament. Also on display is a mannequin dressed in police uniform, which, surprisingly, made its way into the exhibit solely because police uniforms are manufactured in Shymkent.

In its previous location, the museum had dedicated exhibitions covering Kazakhstan’s time under the Russian Empire and Soviet rule. In contrast, the newer exhibit showcases the South Kazakhstan region’s transition from the Kazakh Khanate directly to the Republic of Kazakhstan, bypassing the country’s intermediate historical periods. The older facility had truly unique artifacts, including a fully restored district officer’s office and a weapons display from the Russo-Kokand War of 1864, which provided visitors with a richer historical narrative.

Overall, the museum’s collection contains over 88,000 rare artifacts, archaeological finds, and cultural items. It also includes an extensive library, and collections of numismatics and ethnographic items.