On July 10, 2023, the staff of the Botai State Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve, within the framework of the traveling exhibition organized for the 5th anniversary of the Botai Museum-Reserve, visited the Berel Museum-Reserve, located within the territory of the Katon-Karagay State National Nature Park in East Kazakhstan Region, 7 km southwest of the village of the same name, near the Bukhtarma River. The territory of the Berel Museum-Reserve contains more than 70 burial mounds and other funerary and memorial structures dating to the era of the early nomads and the ancient Turkic period.

Our trip to Eastern Kazakhstan was unforgettable. We were especially impressed by the nature of Eastern Kazakhstan. In the July heat, the Altai Mountains were covered with clouds, while white snow still lay on the mountain ridges. No matter how long one looks at the amazing scenery, the mountainous landscape, and the Altai Mountains, it is impossible not to admire them. We were warmly welcomed by the Berel Museum-Reserve. The museum staff organized an interesting guided tour for us, during which we immersed ourselves in the Saka era and became acquainted with relics from that period. The museum grounds feature mythical sculptures, including the Berel horse, the “griffin,” and others. The famous historian Herodotus described the griffin as a mysterious guardian of gold in the legendary land of the Scythians. Today, it guards the territory of the museum.

The impression left by this place is beyond words. This trip gave us not only emotions, but also knowledge and new friends.

We express our sincere gratitude to the staff of the Berel Museum-Reserve for their hospitality and for introducing us to the history of the region.