The museum and memorial complex dedicated to the victims of political repression and totalitarianism, known as “ALZHIR,” was established in the village of Akmol on May 31, 2007. The origins of this solemn site can be traced back to the early days of the Soviet regime when, during the Civil War, the government initiated the isolation of its perceived class and ideological adversaries in specialized concentration camps.

In 1934, amidst the waves of political repression, the Main Directorate of Camps and Places of Detention was founded, and within its framework, the Akmola camp, often referred to as “ALZHIR,” was established. This particular camp held over 20,000 women from various parts of the Soviet Union between 1938 and 1953, offering visitors a somber and reflective glimpse into a chapter of history marked by struggle and sacrifice.