Ornek city is located in the Sulutor gorge on the Bank of Altinsu river , 7.7 km South of Ornek village of T. Ryskulov district. Archaeological monument dating back to the VIIIXII centuries. Since 2014 it is in the list of UNESCO world cultural heritage, in 2017 within the “Sacred geography of Kazakhstan” project it is included in the list of Sacred monuments of Kazakhstan of regional significance.

            There is information in medieval written sources about the location and name of the city. There is an assumption that the city of Kulshub, referred to in Arab sources, is the modern city of Ornek. In this case, we can conclude that the city was one of the political and strategic centers of the Karluks.

            The study of the topography of the settlement of Ornek and the materials of excavations give an idea of the original center of settlement and craft that existed here. The presence of powerful fortifications, a Cathedral mosque, a rich mausoleum indicates that the monument was one of the major urban centers.

            Undoubtedly, the great silk road had a huge impact on the history of the formation and development of the settlement. At one time, this city, located on one of the main roads, was a halting point for travelers and traders passing in one direction or another. The monument is a witness of many devastating wars, struggle for the throne and various historical events. Of course, it is an invaluable cultural heritage.