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)
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. http://visitkazakhstan.kz/en/guide/places/view/173/
  4. http://visitkazakhstan.kz/en/guide/places/view/513/
  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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