Saraman-Kosa Tower
Saraman-Kosa Tower is an architectural monument dating back to the 9th-11th centuries. Its exact purpose remains uncertain. It cannot be classified as a traditional mausoleum since there is no burial site within. Scholars believe the tower served as a temple where people honored the spirits of their ancestors. Built in the pre-Islamic era, it likely functioned as a pagan ritual site. Researcher B. Ibraev noted that local residents had a tradition of spending nights in the tower to communicate with aruakhs (spirits).
The tower is constructed from adobe bricks and faced with burnt bricks. The materials are quite perishable, especially given the harsh climate of the Aral Sea region. By the 1980s, it became evident that the tower needed protection and restoration. Consequently, Saraman-Kosa was reconstructed in 1984.
The tower stands 15 meters (49 ft) tall, with a base diameter of 12 meters (39 ft). Its conical shape narrows towards the top. Inside, the tower consists of three floors, with a spiral staircase connecting the second and third levels. Two guard holes are located in the upper part of the tower, which is topped with a truncated dome.
How to get there?
The Saraman-Kosa Tower is located in the Kazalinsky district of the Kyzylorda region of Kazakhstan, 2 km (1.2 mi) southeast of the village of Kaukei.
Other tourist attractions near the tower:
- Ancient Settlement of Kesken-Kuyuk-Kala
- Mausoleum of Kuttybai
- Ancient Settlement of Jankent
- Syrdarya River
- The Town of Kazalinsk
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Embark on a 9-day off-road expedition to the northern reaches of Kazakhstan’s Aral Sea. Discover hidden, untouristed gems, traverse long routes, camp under the stars, and embrace the rugged beauty of salt flats and dusty trails.