Shymkent, Kazakhstan

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Shymkent, Kazakhstan

Region: South Kazakhstan Region


Geographic Coordinates: 42.316700, 69.595800
Temperature Range: -30.0°C to 40.0°C (-22°F to 104°F)
Climate: Cold winters and hot summers with moderate precipitation throughout the year.
Population: 1028673
Language: Kazakh

Shymkent is a city in southern Kazakhstan, Near the border with Uzbekistan. It’s a major transportation hub for Central Asia and has a rich history dating back to ancient times. The city’s historic center is a popular attraction, Featuring various buildings and monuments reflecting its diverse cultural heritage. Notable landmarks in Shymkent include the Regional Museum of Local Lore, Abai Kazakh State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater, And Central Park named after Saken Seifullin. Visitors can also enjoy the vibrant bazaar where they can find fresh produce, Spices, Textiles, Souvenirs and interact with vendors who speak different languages.

Shymkent has several parks perfect for outdoor activities such as jogging or cycling. One of these parks is called Park named after Auezov which was established in 1934 when Shymkent was still part of Uzbekistan SSR at that time. The cuisine in Shymkent combines elements from both Kazakh and Uzbek cuisine due to its proximity to Uzbekistan. Some popular dishes include shashlik (grilled meat skewers), Plov (rice pilaf), Lagman (noodle soup), Samsa (savory pastry stuffed with meat or vegetables) among others.

Apart from cultural attractions and culinary delights, Shymkent boasts modern architecture such as Mega Planet shopping mall featuring cinema complex & food court; Rixos Khadisha Shymkent hotel offering luxurious accommodations for visitors. Overall, Shymkent offers something for everyone – history buffs will love exploring its rich past while foodies will delight in trying out unique local dishes. With friendly locals & welcoming atmosphere it’s no surprise more tourists are discovering this hidden gem in Central Asia!



Important Landmarks

  1. Shymkent Central Park
  2. Shymkent Zoo
  3. Regional Museum of Local Lore
  4. Abai Park
  5. Aina Botanical Garden
  6. Ordabasy Square
  7. Kazhymukan Munaitpasov Stadium
  8. Zhety Kazyna Museum of Folk Musical Instruments and Traditional Costumes
  9. Kyzylorda Mosque
  10. Shakpak Ata Mausoleum

Primary Industries

  1. Oil and Gas: Due to its proximity to various oil fields, Shymkent serves as an essential hub for the oil and gas industry.
  2. Chemicals: The city has numerous chemical plants that manufacture fertilizers, plastics, and other chemicals.
  3. Textiles: A robust textile industry operates in Shymkent that produces clothing, fabrics, carpets, and other textiles.
  4. Food Processing: Several food processing companies are based in the city that produces meat products, dairy products canned goods along with other food items.
  5. Construction Materials: A thriving construction materials industry exists in Shymkent that manufactures cement bricks tiles glassware etc.
  6. Transport & Logistics: With its strategic location on the Silk Road route between China & Europe ,Shymkent plays a crucial role in transport & logistics sector.
  7. Retail & Services : As the economy grows steadily over time ,the retail sector too has witnessed significant growth with many shopping malls hypermarkets etc .Additionally there are plenty of services such as banking healthcare available for residents.

Noteable History

  1. The city was founded in the 12th century and has a rich history of trade and commerce.
  2. In the 19th century, Shymkent became an important center for cotton production and processing.
  3. During World War II, Shymkent played a crucial role as a base for Soviet military operations against Nazi Germany.
  4. Notable people from Shymkent include Kazakh writer Mukhtar Auezov, who wrote The Path of Abai, one of the most famous works of Kazakh literature.
  5. Another notable figure is Yerzhan Karin, a Kazakh composer who is known for his work in classical music.
  6. In recent years, Shymkent has become an important hub for transportation and logistics in Central Asia due to its strategic location on major trade routes between China and Europe.
  7. The city also boasts several cultural landmarks such as the Auezov Theater, which hosts performances by local artists and international acts alike.

Museums and Things To See

  1. Regional Museum of Local Lore: This museum showcases the history, culture, and traditions of the region through exhibits and artifacts.
  2. Abai Kazakh State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater: This theater is a must-visit for lovers of classical music and dance performances.
  3. Shymkent Central Park: A beautiful park that offers a relaxing atmosphere with plenty of greenery, walking paths, and playgrounds.
  4. Ordabasy Square: A central square in Shymkent that features a monument dedicated to Kazakh national hero Abylay Khan.
  5. M.Auezov South Kazakhstan State University Museum: The museum displays the history of the university’s development since its establishment in 1934.
  6. Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Kazakhstan’s most significant cultural landmarks, housing the tomb of Sufi saint Khoja Ahmed Yasawi.
  7. Regional Art Museum named after M.Auezov: The museum features an impressive collection of works by local artists as well as international art exhibitions.
  8. Central Mosque: One can visit this beautiful mosque that has intricate architecture with blue domes and minarets.
  9. Sayram Lake National Park: It’s located around 100 km from Shymkent city but it’s worth visiting for its scenic beauty with crystal clear water surrounded by mountains.
  10. Bayterek Tower – Though it’s located around 600 km from Shymkent city but if someone gets time then they should visit this iconic tower which is considered as one of the symbols Astana (now Nur-Sultan) city which is capital city Kazakhstan.


Sports Teams

  1. After conducting research, I was unable to find any significant sports teams or histories in Shymkent, Kazakhstan.
  2. It is possible that there are local amateur teams and leagues in the city, but they may not have gained national or international recognition.


Cultural Events

  1. Shymkent City Day is celebrated on September 8th every year to honor the founding of Shymkent.
  2. Nauryz, a traditional Kazakh holiday that marks the beginning of spring, is celebrated on March 21st.
  3. The Zher Ana Festival takes place in August to celebrate the important role of women in Kazakh society.
  4. The International Jazz Festival is an annual event held in October that brings together jazz musicians from around the world.
  5. Kurban Ait commemorates Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac and is celebrated with feasting, prayer, and charity.
  6. Sabantuy celebrates the end of spring planting season with traditional games, music, dance, and food in Tatar culture.
  7. The Koshkar-ata Festival showcases traditional Kazakh horse games such as kokpar (a type of polo) and kyz kuu (a type of race).
  8. The Al-Farabi International Music Festival features classical music performances by international artists named after one of Kazakhstan’s most famous philosophers.
  9. The Silk Road International Film Festival showcases movies from countries along the historic Silk Road trade route as part of Kazakhstan’s cultural heritage as a crossroads between East and West.
  10. Shymkent Fashion Week presents collections by local designers twice a year in April/May & October/November showcasing their creativity for fashion lovers across Kazakhstan.

Cuisine

  • Beshbarmak: a traditional Kazakh dish made with boiled meat (usually lamb or beef) served on top of flat noodles and typically eaten with hands.
  • Kuyrdak: another traditional Kazakh dish made with fried liver, heart, kidneys and onions.
  • Pilaf: a rice dish cooked with meat, carrots, onions and spices.
  • Lagman: a noodle soup made with vegetables and meat.
  • Shashlik: grilled skewered meat (usually lamb or beef) served with bread and vegetables.

Restaurants in Shymkent that serve these dishes include:

  1. Kishlak Restaurant
  2. Alasha Restaurant
  3. Sultan Ahmet Restaurant
  4. Uzgen Restaurant
  5. Chaykhana Samovar

Parks and Recreation

  1. Abay Park is a spacious park that features walking paths, playgrounds, and a lake perfect for boating.
  2. Central Park is a well-known park that boasts fountains, flower gardens, and even an amusement park.
  3. Shymkent Zoo houses over 500 animals including tigers, lions, bears, and monkeys.
  4. Kazygurt State Reserve is a nature reserve situated just outside of Shymkent where visitors can enjoy hiking or horseback riding.
  5. Sports Complex Zhas Kanat is an indoor sports facility that offers activities like ice skating and swimming.
  6. Auezov Drama Theatre Park is a small park located near the Auezov Drama Theatre where visitors can relax on benches surrounded by greenery.
  7. Kazhymukan Munaitpasov Stadium – the largest stadium in Shymkent – hosts football matches regularly.
  8. Sairam-Ugam National Park is situated on the outskirts of Shymkent city and provides hiking trails through stunning landscapes for visitors to explore.
  9. Mega Planet Mall is an indoor mall complete with entertainment options such as cinema halls and bowling alleys among others.

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