HOLY PLACES OF THE JOCHI ULUS: SARAICHYQ AND BARCHINKENT

Abstract

The study of the history of the emergence and development of medieval cities in Kazakhstan remains one of the most difficult and important tasks of modern research. A comprehensive study of the sites allows us to determine both the general features of urban development and the peculiarities of the formation of individual urban settlements. The cities of Saraichyq on the Jaiyk River and Barchynkent in the Lower Syr Darya River were not only large trade and economic, but also spiritual centers of the Ulus of Jochi. Having developed as cities during the Mongol period, they played an important role in the political life of the Golden Horde. The fate of Saraichyq and Barchinkent closely connected with the general course of the history of this state. Written sources and materials of long-term archaeological studies indicate that the heyday of both cities coincides with the time of rising, and the beginning of decay and desolation – with the beginning of the collapse of the Golden Horde. The enthronement of khans of Berke, Janibek and other representatives of Juchids in Saraychyq, and then the emergence of a necropolis where a number of rulers of the Golden Horde buried, led to the beginning of the sacralization of the place. By the XIV century, Barchinkent became famous as a city where many preachers of Islam and Sharia scholars lived, who played a signifi cant role in spreading the Muslim religion among the population of the Ulus of Jochi. Excavations in Saraichyq and Barchinkent (Kyshkala ancient urban settlement) made it possible to identify the location and historical names of cities, the time of their emergence and growth, as well as to reveal the peculiarities of their functioning as centers of international trade, crafts and culture.

Keywords

• archaeological studies
• ulus of jochi
• golden horde
• saraychyq
• barchinkent
• kyshkala
• written sources