On May 15, 2017, a new institution – the Research Center «Sacred Kazakhstan» – was established within the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The Center was headed by Candidate of Political Sciences B. Abdigaliuly. A Scientific and Expert Council consisting of 40 specialists was formed under the Center to identify and update the list of sacred sites of national and local significance. Prominent scholars, local historians, and public figures of Kazakhstan take part in the Council’s activities. 

Between 2017 and 2025, within the framework of the project «Geography of Sacred Sites of Kazakhstan», work was carried out in several areas. These included expert research, the identification and expansion of the list of sacred sites, and the organization of roundtable discussions on the mapping of sacred objects, among other activities. 

Part of the scientific and expert work focused on analyzing sites of national and local significance within the category of «sacred site», as defined by the Law «On the Protection and Use of Historical and Cultural Heritage Objects».

According to annual reporting data, out of 205 sites of national significance, only 70 have official status as historical and cultural monuments (for reference, 7 of these 70 sites are designated as sacred). Of the 575 sites of local significance, only 117 have monument status (for reference, 18 of these 117 sites are designated as sacred). Thus, across the republic, 593 sacred sites currently lack legally formalized status. In this regard, official letters were sent to local executive bodies to facilitate the legal recognition of sacred sites.

In addition, a special commission meeting was held to expand the list of sacred sites of Kazakhstan. On March 25, 2022, a meeting of the Scientific and Expert Council took place. During the meeting, a new composition of the Council was approved, and proposals were discussed regarding the inclusion of additional sites in the list of sacred sites of national significance. As a result, five sites were added to the list: 1. The Gathering Site of the Alashorda Members (North Kazakhstan Region); 2. The Mausoleum of Tugeybolat (Turkistan Region); 3. The Mausoleum of Zhaudyr Ana (Kostanay Region); 4. The Mausoleum of Sabyndy (Akmola Region); 5. The Mausoleum of Ybyrai Bayanduly (Akmola Region).

To promote scholarly discussion on sacred sites, a national scientific and practical roundtable entitled «Mapping and Scientific Systematization of Sacred Sites, Pilgrimage Places, and Historical and Cultural Heritage Objects» was organized.