Issyk kurgan

Issyk kurgan is an archaeological burial mound in Almaty Region of Kazakhstan notable for the discovery of a richly furnished Scythian-era burial often referred to as the “Golden Man.” The mound yielded significant gold artifacts and regalia associated with a high-status individual.

Excavations revealed a burial assemblage dating to the early first millennium BCE to the late first millennium BCE tradition of steppe nomads; the finds attracted national and international attention for their craftsmanship and historical significance. The mound has been the subject of archaeological study since its excavation in the 20th century.

The site illustrates funerary practices and material culture of early nomadic or semi-nomadic societies on the Central Asian steppe and has contributed to interpretations of regional prehistory. Artifacts from the burial have been central to museum displays and cultural heritage discussions in Kazakhstan.

Issyk kurgan lies in the Almaty Region of southeastern Kazakhstan, east of the city of Almaty; the mound is located in the steppe landscape outside the immediate urban area, within reach of Almaty by road.

• Golden Man burial: The burial contained a richly furnished interment often called the "Golden Man," recovered with numerous gold ornaments and regalia.