At the north of Shymkent, in front of Dendropark, is located a monument to the memory of the victims of political repression: the Kaciret Memorial.

The Kaciret Memorial was built in a ravine known as “the fox ravine”, which was a place of political mass executions during the years 1937 and 1938.
The monument itself is of a raw austerity: broken marble blocks inside two metal cages and, built in the wall behind, an eye cries behind bars. Near, a large bare slab covers the grave where victims were buried. And, at the top of the hill, stands a statue of a mother holding her child.

The memorial park is cover with flower plantations, with fragrant roses, with fruit trees and others, as a reminder that despite tragedies that mark the History, life and beauty must continue to be celebrated. That’s maybe why its woods host many young romances…

On May 31st, Kazakhstan celebrates the Day of Memory of Victims of Political Repression. In the country, more than 103 000 persons were arrested and 25 000 were shot for political reasons between 1921 and 1954.