Isker

Isker is an archaeological site near Preobrazhenka where two rivers meet, south of Tobolsk, with the Sibirka flowing into the Irtysh. The location sits on elevated ground on the right riverbank and holds the remains of a medieval settlement.

The site served as the capital of the Khanate of Sibir until 1582, when Cossack forces under ataman Yermak captured and destroyed it. This invasion ended Tatar rule in the region.

The remains reveal how Siberian Tatars lived and built their communities in this region. You can sense the importance this place held for the people who called it home.

The site lies away from main roads and requires intentional effort to locate, as the visible traces are subtle today. Visitors should expect a minimally developed location where some historical background helps with understanding what you are seeing.

In the early 19th century, traces of the fortress walls were still clearly visible, helping travelers identify the location. These remains have faded further over the following decades due to erosion and weather.