TARAZ
Taraz is ancient and mysterious, holding within itself over two thousand years of history, a place where the paths of great civilizations and great trade caravans crossed. Like a living legend, this city stands on the Great Silk Road, connecting East and West not only in space but also in time.
Recommended attractions:
Ancient Taraz Archaeological Park and Museum – The park features the foundations and walls of ancient buildings, areas where the medieval city once bustled with activity. Excavations are ongoing, uncovering new artifacts and remains of ancient Taraz buildings.
Aisha-Bibi and Babaji Khatun Mausoleums – the Aisha-Bibi Mausoleum is considered one of the most beautiful and romantic architectural monuments in Kazakhstan, while the Babaji Khatun Mausoleum is known for its austere and laconic style, reflecting the architectural features of the 11th century.
Quran-Shaped Mosque (Keneskhan Kazhy) – shaped like an open copy of the Quran, it is located on the outskirts of the city, away from the hustle and bustle, preserving an atmosphere of privacy and tranquility. This unique structure attracts tourists with its unusual concept – the mosque is shaped like an open Quran, symbolizing the revelation of wisdom and knowledge.
The Akyrtas Palace Complex is the most mysterious archaeological site in Kazakhstan, also considered a sacred and holy place. It is located in a picturesque area of the Zhambyl region. The Akyrtas Palace monument is the remains of an ancient structure built with fairly large red stone blocks.
The Tekturmas Ethnohistorical Complex – Historians believe that this part of Taraz was the site of an ancient settlement, which scientists date back to approximately the beginning of the Common Era. Local residents report UFO sightings and the ghost of an ancient, radiant elder. Researchers have recorded geomagnetic anomalies and cases of healing following pilgrimages to Tekturmas.
The Tortkul Medieval Caravanserai – This caravanserai functioned from the 11th to the 13th centuries and was apparently destroyed during the civil wars of the post-Mongol period. From 1983 to 1985, the Taraz Archaeological Expedition of the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography of the Academy of Sciences of Kazakhstan, led by K.M. Baipakov, conducted the first scientific research at Tortkol.
We also recommend visiting the 13th-century Dautbek Mausoleum and the 19th-century Kali-Zhunus Bathhouse, the T. Ryskulov Central Park of Culture and Leisure, and Zhenis Park.