Mausoleum of Kuttybai
Kuttybai Akboluly was a comrade-in-arms of Zhankozha Batyr and a participant in the national liberation struggle against the Khiva and Kokand khanates, Uzbek states that briefly conquered southern Kazakhstan in the 19th century. Born in 1807 in the lower reaches of the Syrdarya River, Kuttybai was known for his strength and courage. He later gained fame as a fair bi (judge) who was often called upon to resolve disputes.
In 1897, at the age of 90, Kuttybai began constructing a mausoleum over his father Akbol's grave. Three years later, Kuttybai passed away and was buried in the same mausoleum.
The mausoleum, built from burnt brick, features a large vaulted tomb (gurkhan) accessible via a narrow corridor and is topped with a dome. According to legend, a golden crescent once adorned the dome but was stolen. The thief, however, soon fell seriously ill and died, leading locals to believe that anyone who desecrates the graves of Kuttybai and his father would suffer the same fate.
The mausoleum's facade is adorned with brickwork made from various types of brick. It is said that the clay was mixed with mare's milk and fired using saxaul coals, though this cannot be confirmed. Over 20 types of ceramic bricks were used in the decoration of the mausoleum. The Mausoleum of Kuttybai is situated in the Kyzylorda Region of Kazakhstan, 4 kilometers (2.5 mi) southwest of the village of Urkendeu and 2.7 kilometers (1.2 mi) west of the Jankent settlement. Urkendeu is 360 kilometers (224 mi) from Kyzylorda, a journey that takes approximately 5 hours by car. On request 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.
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