| Sherkala | |
| Other Name: | Şerqala Шерқала |
| Translation: | Lion's Castle |
| Language: | Persian |
| Elevation M: | 332 |
| Range: | Karatau Mountains |
| Location: | Mangystau Province, Kazakhstan |
| Map: | Kazakhstan |
| Label: | Sherkala (Шерқала) |
| Label Position: | right |
| Coordinates: | 44.2564°N 52.0061°W |
Sherkala (Kazakh: Шерқала|Şerqala, شەرقالا) is a mountain in Mangystau Province, western Kazakhstan, close to the town of Shetpe (Шетпе, Şetpe, شەتپە). It has been described as looking like a piala, yurt[1] or Sphinx with steep south and east sides and a more eroded northern side.[2]
The mountain is sited between the central and western Karatau Mountains.
Remains of a medieval caravanserei[3] and fort belonging to Jochi, Genghis Khan's elder son are on top and at the foot of the mountain.[4] [2] A tunnel can be used to access the summit.[2]
The ruins of the medieval settlement of Kyzylkala[5] and of Mankashlak (Mankyshlak), a Turkmen town[1] on the Silk Road, are also nearby[4] as is Torysh (The Valley of Balls).
The mountain was, according to legend, besieged by the Sheikh of Khoresm Astsyz after he had conquered Mankashlak. After four months the attackers dug a tunnel sideways through the mountain into the well shaft of the town above, cutting off their rope and forcing their surrender.[1]
The name Sherkala is from Persian شیرقلعه, meaning 'Lion's Castle'.[6]