Abstract
The article describes the place of the city of Sarayshyk in the system of civilizations as one of the main cities of the Golden Horde. The political, socio-economic, cultural, and historical significance of Sarayshyk is revealed - a unique city that holds a special place in the history of medieval Kazakhstan. The authors focus on the city's place in the system of civilizations, based on the characteristics of its geographical location. The evaluation of Sarayshyk by foreign historians, scholars, and travelers is widely described. The importance of the location of the cities of Kazakhstan on the Great Silk Road at the crossroads of civilizations is also considered. While we can see the reflection of urban culture in the southern region of the country and the Zhetysu district in many medieval large and small cities, castles, fortresses, and settlements, in the western region, this can be seen through the city of Sarayshyk. The use of Sarayshyk as the main stronghold of the state by Burunduk Khan, the son of Kerey Khan, a well-known historical figure during the formation of the Kazakh Khanate as an independent state, was also rational from a political, strategic, and economic point of view. Firstly, since the final collapse of the Golden Horde in the second half of the 15th century, the Sarayshyk region was a well-maintained settlement and a permanent place of residence for the eastern tribes of the Desht-i-Kipchak, who longed for political unity. Secondly, it was convenient in terms of strategy and military matters for the Kazakh Khanate, and thirdly, Sarayshyk was an important hub on the Great Silk Road - hence, its economic efficiency.