Ancient Settlement of Ketik Kala
The settlement of Ketik Kala existed in the 14th century, during the Golden Horde (the western part of the Mongol empire) period. It stood on the coast of the Caspian Sea and served as a seaport connecting ancient Caspian states. It was the only port city in the Kazakh steppes at that time.
The settlement was first explored by Moscow archaeologists in the 1980s. Kazakhstani archaeologists conducted their research in 2008, 2014, and 2015. They found coins and other items, which allowed them to figure out the city's approximate age and determine which countries traded with Ketik Kala. The city had trade relations with Iran, Azerbaijan, Chorasmia (a region on the Amu Darya River in western Central Asia), Sarai Batu (the capital of the Golden Horde on the Volga River), and the city of Sarayshyk on the Ural River.
How to get there?
Ketik Kala is located on the territory of modern-day Fort Shevchenko in the Mangystau Region. The town can be easily reached by car from the city of Aktau. The distance is 136 km (85 mi).