Since 1978, the medieval historical and architectural monuments within the “Aziret Sultan” National Historical and Cultural Reserve-Museum have been gradually museified. Initially, six halls of the Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum (Kazanlyk, Dining Hall, Library, Large and Small Ak-Sarays, and Kudukhana) were provided with thematic exhibition plans approved by the then Deputy Minister of Culture, Uzbekali Zhanibekov.
- Dining Hall: an exhibition on the history of Turkistan with maps, diagrams, and authentic household items (large wooden trays, cast-iron cauldrons, ladles, and spoons).
- Library: dedicated to the history of Kazakh written culture, from runic inscriptions to modern times.
- Large Ak-Saray: replicas of carpets, wall hangings, and household textiles reflecting the period when Turkistan was the capital of the Kazakh Khanate.
- Small Ak-Saray: epigraphic exhibition featuring Arabic inscriptions on the walls and domes of the mausoleum.
- Kudukhana: restoration plans for Turkistan and the mausoleum, along with a collection of ancient water vessels.
In 1980, the Mosque (with its restored mihrab) and Qabirkhana (with access to Yasawi’s tombstone and bronze lamps donated by Amir Temir) were also opened to visitors.
The last major re-exposition took place in the late 1990s under a plan prepared at the Republican Scientific and Methodological Center. The design work was carried out by the “Shabyt” Design Center (Almaty). However, due to large-scale Kazakh-Turkish restoration works, the exhibitions were dismantled.
Since the 2000s, only temporary thematic exhibitions have been arranged in some halls, as stable climate conditions (temperature and humidity) for preserving original artifacts could not be ensured. Nevertheless, during summer months, temporary exhibitions are still organized in the Large Ak-Saray and Library at the request of visitors.
Currently, several halls are closed for restoration. The Large Ak-Saray, Small Ak-Saray, and Mosque remain accessible. In the Large Ak-Saray, the research department has curated a temporary exhibition featuring artifacts of the Kazakh Khanate. On August 28, the Library traditionally hosts an exhibition marking the birthday of Uzbekali Zhanibekov. The Mosque is presently used for prayers but is planned to host an exhibition of Qurans, prayer rugs, and other related items in the future.
By the end of this year, thematic exhibition plans for all museified monuments within the reserve will be revised and updated.
Exposition and Exhibition Department, Exhibition Organizer R.S. Zhuzbayeva
