Begim Ana Tower
A Tower with a Thousand-Year History
Built in the 11th century near the Aral Sea, the Begim Ana Tower is one of the oldest structures in Kazakhstan. It was originally constructed from adobe bricks and later reinforced with stronger baked bricks. It allowed the tower to stand the test of time. The tower stands at a height of 10 meters (33 ft), with a base diameter of 16 meters (52 ft).
The exact purpose of the Begim Ana Tower is not definitively known. Given its significant height and elevated location, it may have served as a watchtower. Over time, it likely took on a ritualistic role. The tower became surrounded by legends and was eventually referred to as a mausoleum, despite the absence of any burial within.
Today, the Begim Ana Tower is a well-known pilgrimage site. It is believed that walking around the tower 12 times will grant one’s deepest wish.
In addition to the Begim Ana Tower, the Aral Sea region also features two similar structures: Uzuntam and Saraman-Kosa.
The Legend of Begim and Sanjar
According to legend, the tower is linked to Begim Ana, the daughter of the warrior Karabura. Begim fell in love with Sanjar, the sultan of the Seljuk Empire. After their marriage, the sultan became very jealous and forbade Begim from showing her face to other men. One day, while hunting, Sanjar sent a servant to retrieve his armor from the palace. The servant saw Begim unveiled and was struck by her beauty, causing him to faint. Upon returning, Sanjar found the servant unconscious near Begim's chambers. Believing she had been unfaithful, Sanjar cut off her hand and braids. Begim fled to a tower on the shore of the Aral Sea. Her father, Karabura, told Sanjar that if Begim was innocent, her hand and braids would grow back. The next morning, Begim reappeared completely healed but never returned to Sanjar.
Several versions of this legend exist. For example, in 1867, Russian artist Vasily Vereshchagin recorded another variant. According to his version, the town of Jankent once stood where the tower is now. Sultan Sanjar, who ruled the town, decided to kill his wife, Begim, suspecting her of infidelity. However, Begim's father sent snakes to the town, killing everyone. After the town’s destruction, Begim built a tower on the site and lived there until her death.
How to get there?
Begim Ana Tower is located 27 km (17 mi) southeast of the village of Karateren in the Kyzylorda region of Kazakhstan.
Other tourist attractions near the tower:
- Kaskakulan Island
- Ancient Settlement of Kesken-Kuyuk-Kala
- Mausoleum of Tolybai Batyr
- Mausoleum of Beketai
- Syrdarya River
Recommended tours:
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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.