Lost Golden Horde capital Sarai Jük reveals 20 hidden archaeological sites

Sarai Jük, once a thriving capital of the Golden Horde, has revealed new secrets through recent archaeological work. Researchers uncovered 20 previously unknown sites from the Golden Horde era, shedding light on the city’s rich past. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highlighted its historical importance as a major hub for trade, politics, and culture along the Great Silk Road. Sarai Jük flourished as a key centre under the Golden Horde, minting its own coins and serving as a vital stop on the Great Silk Road. The city later became the political heart of the Nogai Horde and the Kazakh Khanate, where Kasym Khan—who strengthened the Kazakh state—was buried.

Excavations across 13 sites have uncovered nearly 400 numismatic finds and other artefacts. These discoveries confirm that Sarai Jük was a rapidly growing urban centre during both the Golden Horde and Nogai-Kazakh periods. The Sarai Jük State Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve has led three major research projects to explore the city’s medieval history. Findings show its role as an administrative and commercial powerhouse, linking East and West through trade and diplomacy.

The latest excavations have expanded knowledge of Sarai Jük’s significance in Central Asian history. The 20 newly identified Golden Horde sites, along with hundreds of artefacts, provide concrete evidence of its past influence. These discoveries will help shape future studies of the region’s medieval urban development.