Karkaraly

Karkaraly (Kazakh:Қарқаралы) (Russian: Каркаралинск, Karkaraly, Karkaralinsk) is the oldest town in Karaganda Oblast (Karaganda Region). Karkaraly is also known as Karkaralinsk. Population: 9,212 (2009 Census results); 8,773 (1999 Census results).

Its history began as a small steppe village. Caravans from Central Asia would travel through Karkaraly on their way to Siberia. The name Karkaraly is derived from the word "qarqara"- a precious decorative Kazakh headpiece. According to a legend, long ago a beautiful girl dropped her Karkara in the area that is now Karkaraly. Her search was in vain and the qarqara remained on the steppe. The legend states that though the beautiful karkara was lost, the beauty of the land will remain forever. According to another legend, this is the site where the great Ablai Khan was proclaimed khan.