Merke town is the ancient sanctuary, the summer residence of Turkic khans, monument of natural and historical heritage. First settlement of Merke, located at the foot of the Kyrgyz Alatau, is mentioned in the writings of Arab geographers in IX-X centuries. Version of modern scholars, the city was formed in the VII century, its name by Farsi means "center."
Monuments of the ancient sanctuary spreads on 250 square kilometers and presents a large number of complexes of mounds, stone fences and stone sculptures that have cultural identity. Stone sculptures were designed for worshiping the supreme deity of the Turkic pantheon of deities - Tengri (sky), Jer-su (ground-water), Umai (female deity, the patroness of the hearth) and their earthly incarnations - deified ancestors.
Merke sanctuary are called "Healing the Earth". People came here in ancient times for the healing of ailments and talent offspring. People came to touch the holy land and water sources. Turks Zhetisu made this land a place of worship and ceremonies, ritual acts and rituals associated with various socially significant events of the tribal group.
Today there are radon sources of healing water, which stands on the edge of the sacred willow hung with rags. In the foothills of the Merke built resort "Merke", known for its healing radon mineral baths in the foothills of Merke.
Sightseeing attraction - mausoleum Karahan, XI century
Mausoleum Karahan, located in the central part of the city, is a fine example of medieval architecture in the territory of Kazakhstan. Building was erected in karaganid era in XI century, presumably by the ruler who loved Aisha-Bibi. Dying, Karahan bequeathed to bury him in a place where mausoleum of Aisha would be visible. Ten centuries Karahan and mausoleums of Aisha-Bibi were the tallest buildings in Taraz.
The palace complex Akyrtas VIII-IX century
One of the most mysterious structures ever erected on the Silk Road is Akyrtas. Many scientists who have studied the ruins Akyrtas, were at a loss about to create this gigantic structure.Akyrtas strikes by grandeur of engineering design and boldness of his incarnation. Archeological studies allow to identify Akyrtas with the medieval town Kasribasom, who was on the Silk Road. Someone thinks that perhaps it was a Christian-Nestorian church. However, most scientists believe that Akyrtas was built on the orders of the Arab commander Kuteyba ibn Muslim in 714-715 years.In any case, for the construction of Akyrtas was illogically selected a place unsuitable for habitation. At a distance of hundreds meters there is no a drop of water. Therefore, the ancient builders were forced to lay clay water three kilometers in length. According to one version Akyrtas was destroyed by the strongest earthquake occurring again, even if it was not completed. The city ceased to exist, and not starting to live.