Zaysan history

The history of the city of Zaysan is inextricably linked with the development of trade relations and the strengthening of borders in the Eastern region. Founded as a military fortification, it quickly outgrew its initial purpose, becoming an important economic hub in Kazakhstan.

Foundation and First Mentions

The official date of foundation is considered to be 1868, when the "Zaysanskiy" military post (originally called Zhemeney) was established. It emerged as a strategic point for border control and ensuring the safety of trade caravans. Thanks to its favourable location, the small fortification gained city status by the end of the 19th century, attracting settlers and merchants.

Key Development Factors

Several important circumstances contributed to the development of the city:

• Geographical Location: The city is situated at the foothills of the Saur Ridge, not far from the lake of the same name and the border with China, making it a natural gateway for international trade.
• Trade: Caravan routes connecting Siberia and Central Asia with Western China passed through Zaysan. A customs house operated here, through which flows of tea, fabrics, wool, and livestock passed.
• Administrative Status: The transformation from a military post into a district city facilitated the development of infrastructure — the appearance of a post office, telegraph, and roads.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

By the beginning of the 20th century, Zaysan had formed as a vibrant merchant city. The economy was built on intermediary trade and raw material processing (leather and soap production). The cultural appearance of the city was defined by its multi-ethnic composition: various traditions and faiths coexisted peacefully here. The architecture was dominated by the characteristic "brick style"; many merchant houses and public buildings of that time, built from high-quality local brick, have survived to this day, lending a special charm to the historic centre.

Major Historical Milestones

The history of the city of Zaysan is rich in events that turned a small border post into an important cultural and economic centre, of which Kazakhstan is proud.

• 1868 — Foundation of the Zhemeney military post, which became the starting point for the development of the future city.
• 1870s — Opening of the customs house and the establishment of the settlement as a key hub for transit trade with China and Mongolia.
• 1890s — Active construction of brick merchant mansions and public buildings, forming a unique architectural appearance.
• 1921 — Final establishment of Soviet power in the region after a period of civil conflict.
• 1928 — Zaysan receives the status of the administrative centre of the newly formed district, which accelerated infrastructure development.
• 1941–1945 — The period of the Second World War, when the city accepted evacuees and provided the front with raw materials and food.
• 1960s — Expansion of the city limits, construction of new schools, hospitals, and residential quarters.
• June 14, 1990 — A strong earthquake that caused significant damage to the city's historical and modern buildings.
• 1991 — The city becomes part of the independent Republic of Kazakhstan, beginning the adaptation of the economy to market conditions.
• 2000s — Large-scale restoration of historical monuments, including ancient mosques and merchant houses.
• 2013 — Completion of the full gasification of the city thanks to the use of resources from the local Sarybulak field.
• 2015 — Modernisation of the "Maykapchagay" customs post, strengthening the city's role in international trade turnover.

Milestones of Development and Transformation

The evolution of the city of Zaysan is a journey from a small border fortification to an important economic and transit hub. Each era left its mark on the architecture, economy, and way of life, shaping the modern appearance of the city, which occupies a special place on the map of the country of Kazakhstan.

• Transformation into a Trade Centre (Late 19th Century)
  The transition from the function of the Zhemeney military post to city status opened an era of prosperity. The appearance of customs and the development of caravan trade with China and Mongolia turned the settlement into a wealthy merchant city, ensuring an influx of capital and population growth.
• Architectural Flourishing and "Brick Style"
  At the turn of the century, buildings made of local fired brick were actively erected in the city. This urban planning decision not only improved the quality of life but also created a unique architectural ensemble, which today is the city's calling card and attracts history enthusiasts.
• Acquisition of Administrative Status (1928)
  Becoming the district centre gave a powerful impulse to the development of the social sphere. New schools, hospitals, and administrative institutions appeared in the city, cementing its role as the main settlement in the region and a centre of attraction for residents of surrounding villages.
• Restoration and Renewal (1990s)
  After the devastating earthquake of 1990, the city underwent large-scale reconstruction. This event became a catalyst for the renewal of the housing stock: dilapidated buildings were replaced by modern seismic-resistant houses, changing the structure of city quarters.
• Energy Modernisation (2013)
  Full gasification of the city thanks to connection to the Sarybulak field became a key economic and environmental event in recent history. The transition to gas radically improved living conditions for residents, reduced business costs, and solved the problem of smog in the winter period.
• Development of Transport and Logistics Potential
  The modernisation of the "Maykapchagay" customs post and the reconstruction of roads returned strategic importance to the city in international trade. Today, it is an important transit corridor contributing to the development of roadside services and the strengthening of foreign economic ties.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Development

The architecture of the city of Zaysan represents a unique fusion of merchant architecture, Soviet urban planning, and modern solutions. Unlike many small towns, a solid layer of historical buildings has been preserved here, forming the recognisable "brick" appearance of the central streets. The city's development proceeded from a military-administrative outpost to a wealthy trade centre on the border, which is directly reflected in its architecture.

Major Architectural Eras and Styles

The urban planning history of the city is clearly divided into three key stages, each characterised by its own style and distinctive buildings:

• Merchant Period (Late 19th — Early 20th Century)
  Style: Brick style (Eclecticism), elements of Oriental architecture.
  This is the "Golden Age" of the city's architecture. Thanks to deposits of high-quality clay and the skill of local craftsmen, the so-called "brick style" flourished here. Buildings of this period are distinguished by figured masonry, decorative cornices, and durability. The main figure of this time was the folk architect Bayazit Satpayev, who created most of the iconic stone buildings that still serve as decorations of the city.
• Soviet Period (1920–1990)
  Style: Soviet Classicism, Functionalism, standard housing.
  With the arrival of Soviet power, architecture became more utilitarian. During this period, administrative buildings, schools, and houses of culture were built. An important milestone was the restoration of the city after the strong earthquake of 1990, when a significant part of the housing stock was updated taking into account seismic requirements, which brought features of late Soviet modernism to the city's appearance.
• Modern Stage (since 1991)
  Style: Modern regional architecture.
  Modern development in the country of Kazakhstan is characterised by the careful restoration of historical heritage and the construction of new infrastructure related to gasification and border trade. New buildings are often stylised to match historical buildings or use modern composite materials.

Iconic Buildings and Structures

The appearance of the historic centre is formed by several key objects that have survived changing eras and earthquakes:

• House of Merchant Ybyray Manapov — a vivid example of residential merchant architecture built in 1900 with expressive brick decor.
• House of Zh. Abilkhanov — another creation of the architect Satpayev, distinguished by the elegance of proportions and masonry skills.
• Tatar Mosque (1908) — a religious structure combining Islamic canons and techniques of local brick architecture.
• Former Treasury Building — an example of administrative architecture of the Tsarist period, emphasising the city's status as a district centre.

Notable Figures

The history of the city of Zaysan is rich in the names of people whose activities had a significant impact on the development of the region. Its geographical position at the junction of trade routes and borders attracted explorers, merchants, and craftsmen here, whose legacy has become an integral part of the culture of the country of Kazakhstan.

• Bayazit Satpayev (1870–1954)
  Folk architect and self-taught master.
  The man who defined the architectural appearance of the old city. Without professional education, Satpayev possessed the natural talent of an engineer and artist. He designed and built most of the significant brick buildings of the early 20th century, including mosques and merchant mansions, which are protected today as historical monuments.
• Nikolay Przhevalsky (1839–1888)
  Traveller, geographer, and naturalist.
  The famous explorer of Central Asia used the city as a key base for his expeditions. Here, he assembled caravans before departing for Dzungaria and Tibet, and also processed collected scientific materials upon return. The stay of Przhevalsky's expeditions contributed to placing the region on world maps.
• Grigory Potanin (1835–1920)
  Ethnographer, folklorist, and botanist.
  He repeatedly visited the Zaysan district during his Asian travels. Potanin left detailed ethnographic records about the life of the local population, traditions, and economy, and also described the flora and fauna of the surroundings of Lake Zaysan.
• Ybyray Manapov (Late 19th – Early 20th Century)
  Merchant of the First Guild and philanthropist.
  One of the wealthiest residents of the pre-revolutionary period. Manapov played an important role in developing trade ties with China and Mongolia. His funds were often directed towards city needs, and the residential house built by him remains a vivid example of civil architecture of that time.
• Ulykbek Yesdaulet (born 1954)
  Poet, journalist, and public figure.
  A native of the Zaysan district who became a classic of modern Kazakh literature. In his work, he often turns to images of his native land, the history of the Irtysh region, and the Altai. His works have been translated into many languages of the world.
• Vsevolod Roborovsky (1856–1910)
  Explorer of Central Asia.
  A student and associate of Przhevalsky, Roborovsky also lived in the city for long periods, preparing for campaigns. Later, he led independent expeditions starting from this border point, contributing to the study of the high-mountain regions of Asia.
• Zhusup Abilkhanov
  Entrepreneur and philanthropist.
  A famous merchant whose activities contributed to the economic prosperity of the city at the turn of the century. His mansion, erected by the master Satpayev, is distinguished by complex brick decor and is considered one of the architectural gems of the region.