Karashungil Necropolis is a sacred place where the first step in oil production in the Kazakh steppe was taken, a place immersed in deep layers of history and culture. This place first became known for oil production in 1899, leaving an indelible mark on our national history. The first photograph of the necropolis was published in a collection published in St. Petersburg in 1903, which confirmed its historical significance. Karashungil Necropolis is one of the largest monuments in the western region of Kazakhstan. The time of its origin covers the period of the XVIII-XX centuries.
Origin of the name:
- According to some sources, the name of the necropolis comes from the words “kara” (black) and “shunkur” (hollow), denoting the place where oil was extracted.
- In folk legends, a tragic love story is told about a young man named Kara and a girl named Shungul. According to legend, the two lovers died and were buried in this place.
Structure of the necropolis:
- In the center of the necropolis is the mausoleum of a holy ancestor, which is a simple hill with a wooden stake on top.
- Of particular interest are the single-chamber mausoleums made of adobe bricks in Karashungil. Most of them are made in the shape of a yurt.
- Rectangular and oval fences-enclosures typical of Atyrau are often found in the cemeteries. The fences are usually double-layered, with the upper part being narrower. Such fences are strong and durable.
Location:
Karashungil Necropolis is located in the Karashungil depression, 12 kilometers north of the village of Akkuduk in the Zhylyoi district of the Atyrau region. The necropolis is located 35 km southwest of Ushkan Ata. It is divided into western and eastern parts.
The Beginning of Oil Production:
According to local historians, an oil fountain gushed from well No. 7 in Karashungil at a depth of 42 meters, with a productivity of 22-25 tons per day. From here, 100 tons of oil were extracted, which was poured into wineskins and sent by camel caravans to the sea. Oil tankers were waiting for them in the Caspian Sea.
Short route guide:
- From Atyrau to Akkuduk:
- By car:The trip from Atyrau to the village of Akkuduk takes about 4-5 hours by car. You can plot the route using a navigator.
- By bus:From Atyrau you can take a bus to the city of Kulsary, and then take a taxi or other transport to Akkuduk.
- From Akkuduk to Karashungil:
- By car:The distance from the village of Akkuduk to the Karashungil necropolis is about 12 kilometers. Most of the road passes through the steppe, so it is recommended to use off-road vehicles. You can check the route with local residents or using a navigator.
Karashungil Necropolis is a sacred place where the first oil production in the Kazakh steppe began, with great historical and cultural significance. This place is a witness to the past, a monument where tribute is paid to the spirit of the ancestors-heroes, and tells about history. By visiting Karashungil Necropolis, you can delve into the history and culture of Kazakhstan.
