Sherkala
Mountain in Kazakhstan
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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 | |
| Elevation | 332 m (1,089 ft)[1] |
| Coordinates | 44°15′23″N 52°00′22″E |
| Naming | |
| English translation | Lion's Castle[2] |
| Language of name | Persian |
| Geography | |
  Sherkala (Шерқала) Location within Kazakhstan | |
| Location | Mangystau Province, Kazakhstan |
| Parent range | Karatau 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]