Sherkala

Sherkala (Kazakh: Шерқала, romanized: Şerqala, شەرقالا) is a mountain in Mangystau Province, western Kazakhstan, close to the town of Shetpe (Шетпе, Şetpe, شەتپە). It has been described as looking like a piala, yurt[2] or Sphinx with steep south and east sides and a more eroded northern side.[3]

Sherkala
Şerqala
Шерқала
Highest point
Elevation332 m (1,089 ft)[1]
Coordinates44°15′23″N 52°00′22″E
Naming
English translationLion's Castle[2]
Language of namePersian
Geography
Sherkala (Шерқала) is located in Kazakhstan
Sherkala (Шерқала)
Sherkala (Шерқала)
Location within Kazakhstan
LocationMangystau Province, Kazakhstan
Parent rangeKaratau Mountains

The mountain is sited between the central and western Karatau Mountains.

Remains of a medieval caravanserei[1] and fort belonging to Jochi, Genghis Khan's elder son are on top and at the foot of the mountain.[4][3] A tunnel can be used to access the summit.[3]

The ruins of the medieval settlement of Kyzylkala[5] and of Mankashlak (Mankyshlak), a Turkmen town[2] on the Silk Road, are also nearby[4] as is Torysh (The Valley of Balls).

The mountain was, according to legend, besieged by the Sheikh of Khoresm Astsyz after he had conquered Mankashlak. After four months the attackers dug a tunnel sideways through the mountain into the well shaft of the town above, cutting off their rope and forcing their surrender.[2]

The name Sherkala is from Persian شیرقلعه, meaning 'Lion's Castle'.[6]

References
  1. Mayhew, B. (2007). Central Asia: Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan. Lonely Planet. p. 159. ISBN 9781741046144. Retrieved 2011-02-21.
  2. Dosmuhambetov, T.; Baipakov, K. (2010). Kazakhstan – the Land of Wonders. Almaty: Publishing company BW-KZ.
  3. "Mountain-piala Sherkala / Attractions".
  4. "Akmysh Stow and Sherkala Rock / Attractions".
  5. Brummell, P. (2008). Kazakhstan: the Bradt travel guide. England: Bradt Travel Guides. p. 330. ISBN 9781841622347. Retrieved 2011-02-21.
  6. "Sherkala". Archived from the original on 2015-01-07. Retrieved 2015-06-05.
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