Sherkala

From Kazakhstan Encyclopedia

Template:Infobox mountain

Sherkala (Template:Lang-kk) 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[1] or Sphinx with steep south and east sides and a more eroded northern side.[2]

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

Remains of a medieval caravanserei[3] and fort belonging to Dzhuchi, Genghis Khan's elder son are on top and at the foot of the mountain.[4][2] A tunnel can be used to access the summit.[2]

The ruins of the medieval settlement of Kyzylkala[5] and of Mankashlak (Mankyshlak), a Turkmen town[1] 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.[1]

The name Sherkala is from Persian شیرقلعه and means 'Lion's Mountain'.[6]

References

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