Lost Golden Horde monuments unearthed in medieval Sarai Jük

Archaeologists have uncovered 20 previously unknown Golden Horde-era monuments in Sarai Jük, a once-thriving medieval city. The discoveries come from excavations across 13 sites, shedding new light on the region’s rich history. Researchers also found nearly 400 coins and explored burial vaults that reveal ancient funerary customs. Sarai Jük was a major capital of the Golden Horde and a key stop on the Great Silk Road. The city served as a bustling centre for trade, politics, and cultural exchange between East and West. Recent research confirms its importance during both the Golden Horde and later Nogai-Kazakh periods.

Three large-scale projects led by the Sarai Jük State Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve have deepened understanding of the city’s past. Excavations exposed burial complexes that highlight medieval memorial traditions. The findings also reinforce Sarai Jük’s role as a rapidly growing urban hub. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has emphasised the city’s historical weight. It functioned as a vital administrative and commercial centre for the Ulus of Jochi and the Kazakh Khanate. Notably, Kasym Khan, who strengthened the Kazakh Khanate, was buried there.

The excavations have expanded knowledge of Sarai Jük’s significance in medieval history. The 20 newly identified sites, along with hundreds of artefacts, provide concrete evidence of its economic and cultural influence. Further research will continue to explore the city’s legacy as a crossroads of civilisations.