Interview on the "Asyl Kazyna" Radio Program
11.06.2025
Historian of the museum-reserve Monuments of Ancient Taraz Akdidar Zhanibekkizi was a guest on the Asyl Kazyna radio show\!
During the interview, Akdidar Zhanibekkizi spoke in detail about the rich history of the medieval Merki settlement:
1. Historical significance of the Merki settlement — as an important stronghold of the Silk Road, it made a significant contribution to the development of trade and cultural ties.
2. Results of archaeological excavations — pottery, building remains, and household items found at the settlement revealed the way of life of that era.
3. Discovered artifacts — mainly dating to the medieval period. Among them, decorative pottery and stone building remains are particularly notable.
4. Turkic period monuments — the region also preserves balbals (stone sculptures) that reveal the culture and religion of the Turkic tribes.
5. Settlement structure — defensive walls, dwellings, a mosque, and a caravanserai testify to the developed urban culture of Merki.
6. Rulers of the settlement — Merki played an important role during the Karluk, Turgesh, and Karakhanid eras.
7. Spread of Islam — mosque remains and religious symbols in the settlement confirm the period of Islamic establishment.
Listen to the fascinating details on the radio show\!
The Merki settlement — a golden treasure of history and culture\!


