Shirik-Rabat is an ancient city included in the state list of historical and cultural monuments of republican significance in the territory of Kazakhstan. It existed approximately in the 4th-2nd centuries BC, and later again in the 10th-13th centuries AD as an archaeological complex. The monument is located in the Kyzylorda Region, Karmakshy District, 87 km southwest of the village of Kokmeibayev, on a high hill on the left bank of the Zhanadarya River.
Shirik-Rabat was first discovered in 1946 by the Khorezm archaeological-ethnographic expedition (headed by S.P. Tolstov) and was re-examined in 1948-1949. Later, in 1957-1958, excavations conducted by Yu.A. Rapoport and S.A. Trudnovskaya clarified the dating of the site and provided a more complete understanding of its structure. Since 2004, archaeological research has continued within the framework of the state program “Cultural Heritage” under the leadership of Zh. Kurmankulov.
The total area of the settlement is approximately 850x600 meters, and its shape is oval. It was surrounded by two lines of defensive ramparts and a moat 30-40 meters wide and 3-4 meters deep. The entrances to the city were mainly located in the southern and western parts. The site was rebuilt many times in different historical periods, preserving traces of each era.
In the earliest period, in the 4th-3rd centuries BC, six burial mounds associated with the ruling elite were located on the highest part of the hill. They were surrounded by earthen embankments. In the southern part, fortified dwellings used for shelter and defense were located. Later, in the 3rd-2nd centuries BC, a large brick-built mausoleum, several tombs, and underground catacombs appeared. However, in the 2nd century BC, due to changes in the course of the Zhanadarya River, the life of the city weakened and temporarily ceased.
Later, in the 9th-13th centuries AD, the region experienced an increase in water levels and the city was revived. During this period, defensive structures were strengthened, walls and towers were built, and galleries with arrow slits appeared. The defensive system became more complex, and construction layers from different periods overlapped.
Among the oldest structures of the complex are burial mounds. A total of six mounds have been identified, four of which belong to the early period. Excavations uncovered iron swords, Scythian-type three-bladed arrowheads, bronze arrowheads, and gold-adorned artifacts. These finds date the mounds to the 5th-4th centuries BC.
Burial structures are also highly complex in form. In one of the large graves, a deep burial pit, a long corridor, and various weapons and ornaments were found. Among the finds were iron swords, bronze arrows, and gold ornaments. Some mausoleums consisted of several chambers containing gold appliqués, weapons, ceramics, and bronze items. These structures date to the 4th-3rd centuries BC.
During archaeological excavations, especially valuable items were also discovered, including gold appliqués, bronze bells, beads, bone combs, glass and stone ornaments. Parts of the armor of a Saka warrior were also found, allowing its reconstruction. One of the most significant discoveries is a ceramic vessel with an inscription, considered one of the oldest written monuments of the Syr Darya region.
In the southern part of the settlement, residential complexes were also excavated. Here, hearths, tandoors, large storage jars (khums), pottery, and household items were found. These layers mainly date to the 9th-12th centuries and reflect the later stage of the city’s life.
Overall, Shirik-Rabat is an important monument reflecting the highly developed culture of the Saka and Massagetae tribes of the Turan lowland. The findings indicate their close connections with Khorezm and other regions of Central Asia. The city existed through several historical periods, developed for a long time, and gradually declined due to natural changes and the shifting of the river course.
Source: Otrar. Encyclopedia. - Almaty: “Arys” Publishing House, 2005. ISBN 9965-17-272-2