A metal crescent from the minaret of a mosque built by Abai Kunanbaiuly’s father in the 1930s was found in Karagandy region. It is a rare artifact. Local historian Yerlan Mustafin noted that the so-called Aishyk was hidden by a city resident, who kept the item until the end of his life. Traces of paint are still visible on the iron crescent that weighs about 300 grams. It won’t be easy to scientifically identify the found artifact, experts said.
“Kunanbai built this mosque with 12 chairmen of village councils when he was the senior sultan of Karkaraly district. This person cared not only for the material benefits of his people, but also for the spiritual. If this is a real crescent that was established during the rule of Kunanbai, then it is a valuable relic and a historical monument. We are grateful for having the opportunity to hold this symbol of faith in our hands,” said Ulykbek Yesdaulet, chairperson of Writers’ Union of Kazakhstan.
“Few people knew that the crescent had been preserved. The mosque was restored in 1991. Aishyk – the crescent was returned there. Descendants of Saduakas handed it over to another elder. But he passed away soon. I found this crescent in his barn among scrap metal and I believe it is the one,” added local history expert Yerlan Mustafin.
Translation by Saniya Sakenova
Editing by Saule Mukhamejanova
