Daumshar Necropolis: Mausoleums, Saganatams, Qulpytases, and Small Architectural Forms
Research History
The Daumshar Necropolis has been the subject of several scholarly studies, including T. K. Basenov's Architectural Monuments in the Sam Region (Alma-Ata, 1947), M. M. Meñdīqūlov's Architectural Monuments of the Mangyshlak Peninsula and Western Ustyurt (Alma-Ata, 1956), and S. I. Äjığali's Report on the Architectural and Art Historical Expedition in Western Kazakhstan in 1979, preserved in the archives of the Republican Research and Production Restoration Enterprise Kazrestoration.
Brief Description
The earliest section of the necropolis, dating from the late seventeenth to the early twentieth century, occupies its northwestern part. This area contains numerous oval stone enclosures constructed from roughly broken limestone slabs. On the western side of these enclosures stand simply carved stone stelae bearing tamgas, the traditional tribal emblems of the Kazakh clans. The burial site of Daumshar Batyr (Object No. 200) is also located in this section.
The most prominent features of the necropolis are three mausoleums constructed from finely cut stone blocks. Two of them are situated in the northeastern sector (Objects No. 1 and No. 40), while the third, the Mausoleum of Myrza Mūryna (Object No. 175), stands in the northwestern part of the site. The mausoleum has a rectangular plan with a pronounced southern façade, a parapet, and a ventilation opening. The structure is crowned with a helmet-shaped dome, while its interior is decorated with vibrant ornamental patterns.
Legend
Daumshar Batyr (1770-1810) was one of the most renowned warrior-heroes of the Caspian region. His life and military campaigns were closely associated with the Ustyurt Plateau and the Zhem and Sagyz river regions. In defending these territories against Bashkirs, Turkmens, Khivans, and the remaining Kalmyk forces seeking to seize them, Daumshar Batyr earned a reputation for exceptional courage and military skill.
The prominent Alash public figure Khalel Dosmukhamedov highly praised Daumshar's achievements, ranking him alongside celebrated Kazakh batyrs such as Atagozy, Suynkara, Oten, Narymbai, Kulbarak, Zhaparberdi, Mynbai, and Koktaubai.
Having devoted himself to protecting the Zhem River region and its surrounding territories from foreign incursions, Daumshar Batyr fought in numerous battles and repeatedly defeated invading forces.
According to historical tradition, Daumshar Batyr was killed during a clash with a foreign expedition travelling along the left bank of the Zhem River. The exact identity of the expedition remains uncertain. Some sources suggest that it consisted of Russian military topographers or a British reconnaissance mission, while others believe it may have been one of General Perovsky's armed detachments advancing toward Khiva.
The battle resulted in heavy casualties on both sides. Daumshar Batyr and many of his companions were buried together at the site where they fell. Over time, this burial ground became known as the Daumshar Necropolis.
References
- Wikipedia. Daumshar.
- Wikipedia. Däuımshar Batyr Quatuly.
- Baktybai Zhailau. People's Batyrs Dauimshar and Qudabai. Qazaqstan Tarihy portal.
- Baktybai Zhailau. Däuımshar and Qudabai. Aqtöbe newspaper, 29 July 2021.
