Merke Turkic Sanctuaries

The Turkic Sanctuaries of Merke are located in southern Kazakhstan, roughly 37 km south of present-day Merke in the Jambyl Province. At 3000 m high, the sanctuaries in this mountainous region of Kirghizki Alatau number more than 170 over nearly 250 km².<ref>Turkic sanctuary of Merke - UNESCO World Heritage Centre</ref> The sites are well-preserved at the moment due to their isolation and relative difficulty of access. Each site may include small stelae (one to four), possibly representing the ancestors buried underneath.<ref>Turkic sanctuary of Merke - UNESCO World Heritage Centre</ref>

World Heritage Status

This site was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List on September 24, 1998 in the Mixed (Cultural & Natural) category.<ref>Turkic sanctuary of Merke - UNESCO World Heritage Centre</ref> (see List of World Heritage Sites in Kazakhstan)