Zheti Kazyna Museum
Zheti Kazyna, which translates to "seven treasures" in Kazakh, represents the seven essential benefits according to ancient nomadic beliefs. These treasures include a wise wife, a swift horse, a hunting golden eagle, a loyal dog, a firearm, a trap, and a cauldron. The Zheti Kazyna Museum, located in the Almaty region of Kazakhstan, showcases nearly all of these treasures.
Legacy of the Hereditary Falconers
The museum was founded by the Isabekov family, renowned hereditary falconers known as berkutchi in Kazakh culture. Over generations, the Isabekovs collected many artifacts related to falconry and decided to showcase them. The museum began with artifacts such as hoods (caps that calm hunting birds during transport or rest), falconer’s gloves, and perches for birds. Their collection was later enriched by contributions from neighbors and discoveries made by the family themselves.
The Isabekov family also breeds and trains birds of prey. They start training chicks as young as 6 months old, and once these birds reach 10 years of age, they are released back into the wild. Members of the family frequently compete in berkutchi competitions both in Kazakhstan and internationally, and their achievements are showcased through trophies displayed in the museum. From September to February, visitors can observe live hunting demonstrations featuring golden eagles and hawks.
Beyond Falconry
What about the rest of the seven treasures? The Isabekovs are also dedicated breeders of the Kazakh dog breed known as tazy, or Central Asian greyhound. With only about 300 of these dogs left worldwide, the breed faces extinction. Thus, the Isabekovs' efforts to breed and preserve this breed are crucial and urgent. These dogs live in enclosures near the museum building.
The museum also features artifacts related to daily life, including an ancient cauldron discovered by the Isabekovs in a nearby cave. Additionally, visitors can see ancient guns, stirrups, bows, lassos, and traps.
At the museum entrance, guests are greeted by balbals – stone statues depicting a man and a woman holding hunting birds. The museum also displays slabs adorned with ancient rock paintings and a stone bas-relief portraying a wolf.
How to get there?
The Zheti Kazyna Museum is situated in the village of Nura, within the Yenbekshikazakh district of the Almaty region. The distance from Almaty to the village is approximately 130 km (80 mi). Leave the city via the Kuljinsky tract and head east towards Charyn Canyon. After passing through the village of Shelek and crossing the Chilik River bridge, take a right at the fork and soon you'll see the village of Nura on your left.
Other tourist attractions near the museum:
- Bartogay Reservoir
- Charyn National Park
- Charyn Ash Grove
- Temirlik Canyon
- Lunar Canyon
- Bestamak Canyon
- Altyn-Emel National Park
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