TURKESTAN
A city where history literally breathes at every step. It is nestled in the south of Kazakhstan, on the ancient caravan routes of the Great Silk Road, approximately 160 kilometers from Shymkent. Turkestan is ideal for those seeking not just beautiful views but profound meanings, wanting to learn more about Kazakh culture and traditions, and experience true history. This is a city that inspires with its legends, amazes with the grandeur of its holy sites, and undoubtedly leaves a lasting impression on every traveler.
Recommended attractions:
The Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum is an outstanding monument of medieval architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting pilgrims and tourists from all over the world.
The Azret Sultan Museum-Reserve is a complex of buildings within a large protected area. The complex contains a dozen ancient sites, including unique oriental baths, burial sites of khans, and the ancient settlement of Kultobe.
The Karavan Saray recreates the atmosphere of an ancient city from the time of the Great Silk Road, offering guests an immersive experience through modern entertainment. Here you will find stalls selling handicrafts, theatrical performances, restaurants, and simply enjoy the unusual architecture.
The Ethno-Aul consists of an entrance area decorated with flowerbeds and lawns, as well as small architectural forms, a shopping arcade, a wooden platform for performances in the form of a cart, and a courtyard. Gazebos for trestle beds. There are also altybakan swings, yurts of various sizes, a “Herd” sculpture, an ancient well, an archery range, a street of artisans with five themed workshops, and much more.
The Altyn Samruk Flying Theater is a unique structure, with only 20 similar structures worldwide. Here, you’ll enjoy a colorful interactive journey with the mythical Samruk bird.
The ancient settlement of Otyrar and the archaeological museum-reserve – These are the ruins of one of the largest medieval cities in Central Asia and an important center on the Silk Road, located in southern Kazakhstan. The city, also known as Farab, was the birthplace of the scholar Abu Nasr al-Farabi but was destroyed by the Mongol invasion in 1219. Today, it is an archaeological site where excavations are ongoing and the remains of the city walls, palace, mosques, and baths are preserved.
The Arystan Baba Mausoleum is one of the most significant religious monuments in Kazakhstan, located approximately 150 kilometers from Turkestan. It is dedicated to Arystan Baba, the mentor and spiritual teacher of Khoja Akhmed Yasawi.
The Ukasha Ata Mausoleum and Well – the mausoleum itself is small. The most interesting part is approaching the well. It’s 22 meters deep. Believers believe that if a person with pure intentions scoops up water, it will rise to the bucket itself. This phenomenon has yet to be explained by scientists.
Akmeshit Cave is one of the most mysterious natural attractions in Southern Kazakhstan. It is located approximately 90 km from Turkestan, in a picturesque area surrounded by hills and steppes. Many pilgrims believe that visiting the cave brings good luck and spiritual cleansing. The interior of the cave is so large that it could accommodate a small mosque. Although it can be hot outside, the cave is cool and humid inside, making it a special place for relaxation.
We also recommend visiting: the Uly Dala Eli Exhibition Center, the Park named after the First President, the Karatau State Nature Reserve, and the Main Botanical Garden.