The Abai–Shakarim Memorial Complex is a unique architectural monument dedicated to the memory of the great thinkers of the Kazakh people — Abai Kunanbayev and Shakarim Kudaiberdiyev. The complex is located in the Zhidebay area of East Kazakhstan Region and is considered one of the most important spiritual and cultural sites of Kazakhstan.
The complex was opened in 1995 in honor of the 150th anniversary of Abai Kunanbayev. Its construction began in 1993, and the architectural concept was developed by a creative team led by the famous architect and winner of international competitions Bek Ibrayev. The architectural idea of the memorial is based on the traditional worldview and cosmological concepts of the Kazakh people.
The main part of the complex is a huge platform measuring 200 meters in length, 65 meters in width, and 5 meters in height. It unites the burial places of Abai and Shakarim into a single architectural composition. The distance between the two mausoleums is 140 meters. The platform has a three-level structure symbolizing the three levels of the world in Kazakh mythology.
The mausoleums were built in the form of towers. The height of Abai’s mausoleum is 32.5 meters, while Shakarim’s mausoleum is 31.5 meters. The two structures differ in the shape of their domes and architectural decorations. According to the architect’s concept, the two mausoleums standing in the vast steppe resemble two sailing ships floating in the sea of poetry. This effect is especially visible in summer when a mirage appears above the steppe.
One of the main features of the complex is its underground part. After entering through the main portal, visitors descend along a long passage to the amphitheater. In the center of this space, which has a diameter of 36 meters, the open sky can be seen. The walls of the amphitheater contain inscriptions of sacred names from Islamic tradition. Marble mosaics are widely used in the interior decoration of the mausoleums.
The composition of the memorial is completed by special towers located at the four corners. They symbolize the Kazakh tradition of honoring the spirits of ancestors. People come here to pray and find spiritual peace.
The Zhidebay region, where the complex is located, has become one of the sacred centers of Kazakh spirituality. Historical places connected with Abai’s life, including the poet’s winter residence and other cultural sites, have been preserved here. Therefore, Zhidebay is often called the “Literary Mecca.”
Abai State Historical-Cultural and Literary Memorial Reserve Museum
The Abai State Historical-Cultural and Literary Memorial Reserve Museum was opened on October 16, 1940, in Semey city on the occasion of the 95th anniversary of the birth of the great poet Abai. The museum was founded on the initiative of the outstanding Kazakh writer Mukhtar Auezov. In its early years, it operated as the Republican Literary and Memorial Museum of Abai.
In 1990, the museum expanded its activities and received the status of a state historical-cultural and literary memorial reserve museum. Before Abai’s 150th anniversary celebrations, several historical and cultural sites were included in its structure.
Today, the reserve museum includes: the Abai Museum in Semey, the Mukhtar Auezov Museum, the Alash Figures Museum, Abai’s Museum-House in Zhidebay, the Mukhtar Auezov Literary Memorial Museum in Borili, the Aset Naimanbayev Museum in Makanshy, and the Kokbai Mosque-Madrasah Complex.
The scientific and cultural significance of the reserve museum is very high. It preserves rare manuscripts, documents, photographs, works of art, audio recordings, and memorial items related to Abai’s life and creativity, as well as the history and ethnography of the Kazakh people. The total number of exhibits in the collection is about 20,000 items.
A significant contribution to the development of the museum was made by the famous Abai scholar Kayiym Mukhamedkhanov. He studied Abai’s poetic school, collected the heritage of the poet’s disciples, and helped preserve many historical documents and valuable exhibits.
Today, the Abai–Shakarim Memorial Complex and the Abai Museum-Reserve are among the most important cultural centers representing the spiritual heritage of Kazakhstan. These sites not only preserve the legacy of great thinkers but also promote the value of national history and literature for future generations.
Source: ruh.kz, shqolibrary.kz, kk.wikipedia.org