Restoration crews in Kazakhstan have started work on a critical section of fortress wall beside the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yassawi, a landmark that anchors the historic citadel area.
Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Culture and Information said the decision followed monitoring that found the wall shifting by 10 to 15 centimeters annually. Movement on that scale can quickly turn into cracked masonry, displaced units, and water pathways that accelerate deterioration, especially along long, continuous wall runs.
The first phase focuses on a 32-meter section beginning at the Eastern Gate. The total length of the emergency section is 40 meters, according to the ministry.
While the wall is ancient in origin, officials noted it was reconstructed in the 2000s based on archaeological research of the settlement. The current scope centers on strengthening the foundation and rebuilding the masonry. Crews will also reuse salvageable materials removed from the damaged portion, a key step in retaining the historic look and texture of the citadel’s northeastern side.
For mason contractors and restoration teams, the sequence outlined here reflects the realities of masonry preservation work. When a wall shows ongoing movement, stabilization at the foundation comes first, and masonry rebuilding follows after the structure is secured. Salvaging and reinstalling sound units also helps maintain visual continuity across a repaired section, particularly on highly visible heritage sites.
Work is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026.
Read the full, original article from Qazinform here.