Bozatau District

Setting and history

First created in April 1979, Bozatau District was abolished in 1988, restored in 1990, abolished again in 2004 and re-established in 2019–2020. It borders Moynaq to the north, Qo‘ng‘irot and Qanlikol to the west, Chimboy and Kegeyli to the east and Nukus District to the south, covering 1,980 km², with its centre at Kazanketken.

The land is a mosaic of delta plains, lakes and reed beds. Only 21,800 people lived here in 2026, mostly Karakalpaks, Uzbeks and Kazakhs who herd, fish and farm. In the north of the district, beside the Karakum Ishan shrine, lies the grave of the great Karakalpak poet Berdakh.