The Berdakh Museum was established in 1998. Named in honor of the great Karakalpak poet and thinker Berdakh, the museum was founded to commemorate his 170th birth anniversary. Located within the campus of Karakalpak State University in Nukus, the museum has become a prominent cultural landmark.
The Berdakh Museum spans an impressive area of 1,260 square meters. It is a three-story structure featuring one large and six smaller domes. The building’s design, conceived by the renowned architect and recipient of the Berdakh State Prize, Orynbay Toreniiazov, reflects the unique architectural traditions of the region. The museum’s distinctive and original architecture enhances the aesthetic appeal of the city.
The Berdakh Museum serves as a vital repository of the cultural heritage of the Karakalpak nation. It mirrors the historical journey of the people from ancient times to the present day. The museum’s exhibitions offer a comprehensive overview of the history, ethnography, and culture of the Karakalpaks.
The museum’s thematic halls are dedicated to various aspects of Karakalpak heritage, including archaeology, ethnography, art, and history. One of the most fascinating sections is the manuscript hall, which houses written artifacts in Arabic, Persian, and Turkic languages. These manuscripts have been meticulously preserved and provide invaluable insights into the literary and historical traditions of the region.
Berdakh, often regarded as the first historian of the Karakalpak people, left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape. His seminal work «Shezhire» is considered a genealogical treasure, encompassing not only the history of the Karakalpaks but also containing information about other Turkic peoples. The «Shezhire» mentions approximately 300 historical figures who played significant roles in the region’s history.
Berdakh’s literary contributions include epic poems dedicated to national heroes such as «Amangeldi» and «Yernazar Bi,» which continue to resonate with the Karakalpak people. In addition to his poetry, Berdakh was also a talented Bakhshi (traditional storyteller and musician), renowned not only among the Karakalpaks but also among the neighboring Uzbek and Turkmen communities.
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