«Night of Legends by the Campfire: Tungi Bozokka Sayakhat» -
a festival by this name was held at the Bozok Historical and Cultural
Museum-Reserve near the ancient settlement. The site is recognized as the first
extensively researched medieval monument in Central Kazakhstan. The cultural
event took place in the lead-up to International Museum Day, offering visitors
the opportunity to learn more about ancient rituals once practiced in Bozok.
One such ritual involved purification by fire, believed to protect against
illness and misfortune. Researchers note that lighting fires near the gate
towers of the fortress walls held particular significance. These towers marked
the entrance to Bozok, which was located along the Silk Road.
«Each summer, around this time, we would usually begin our
research and excavations at this archaeological site. One of the symbolic
events was lighting fires near the portal walls. The portal and gates were
iconic features of medieval cities, as they served as pathways for caravan
routes, places where caravans could enter. We named each of the portals: the
northern portal is called Saryarka, and the southern one is called
Desht-i-Kipchak,» said Maral Khabdulina, Director of the Research Institute of
Archaeology.
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