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An ancient kurgan, estimated to be around 2,500 years old and located in the heart of Almaty, is currently being demolished. Images shared by a city resident on social media brought this development to light, prompting concern among prominent citizens who are questioning the reasons behind the destruction of this historical site.

History of the Ancient Kurgan

According to information circulating on social media, the kurgan is situated below the intersection of Zhandosov and Rozybakiev streets. Experts indicate that it dates back to the Early Iron Age, specifically the Saka period between the 7th and 5th centuries BC. The structure was approximately six meters high with a diameter of nearly 60 meters.

Reasons for Demolition

The Almaty city administration stated that this kurgan, located on 20th Street in the Bostandyk district, was studied by specialists from the Almaty City Museums Association in 2015. In the same year, the city's Department of Culture removed it from the state list of historical and cultural monuments of local significance. The decision was made because the kurgan had lost its historical and cultural value and had been in a state of disrepair for many years due to damage and human impact.

Experts noted that the kurgan was in an emergency condition, with its mound largely destroyed and the site having been subjected to human interference over a long period. A historical and cultural expert assessment conducted in 2024 by "Archaeological Research" LLP confirmed previous findings that the site had lost its historical and cultural value and could no longer be preserved as a monument of history and culture, according to the akimat.

What Will Be Built in Its Place?

Currently, an access road is being constructed in this area to serve a new 2,500-seat school located at 9 Egizbaev Street. The construction work is scheduled to be completed by August of this year.

It is worth noting that several ancient kurgans are preserved in Almaty. One such site is located near the intersection of Rozybakiev and Strauss streets, where plans were previously made to create an open-air museum, the "World Center of Saka Culture."

This information was reported by the Infohub.kz news agency.