Türkistan, Kazakhstan

Reading Time: 6 minutes

Türkistan, Kazakhstan

Region: Kyzylorda Region


Geographic Coordinates: 43.301900, 68.269200
Temperature Range: -20.0°C to 35.0°C (-4°F to 95°F)
Population: 164899
Language: Kazakh

Turkistan is a city located in the southern part of Kazakhstan and is considered to be an important cultural and spiritual center in Central Asia. The city has a rich history dating back to ancient times, With evidence of human settlements found in the area dating back to the Bronze Age. The region was also an important stop on the Silk Road, Which brought traders and travelers from all over Asia and Europe.

One of Turkistan’s most famous landmarks is the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, Which was built in honor of a 12th-century Sufi mystic who lived in the region. The mausoleum is considered to be one of the finest examples of Islamic architecture in Central Asia and attracts thousands of visitors every year. Another notable attraction in Turkistan is Aisha Bibi Mausoleum – an ancient burial site that dates back to around 1000 AD. It features intricate carvings that depict scenes from daily life during that time period, As well as religious motifs.

In addition to its historical sites, Turkistan also boasts several modern amenities such as hotels, Restaurants, And shopping centers. Visitors can enjoy traditional Kazakh cuisine at local eateries or shop for souvenirs at markets selling handmade crafts. The city’s location also makes it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts who come to explore nearby natural attractions such as Bektau-Ata Mountain Range or Karatau Mountains National Park where they can hike along scenic trails or go camping under starry skies.

Overall, Turkistan offers visitors a unique blend of ancient history and modern amenities making it an ideal destination for those interested in exploring Kazakhstan’s rich cultural heritage.



Important Landmarks

  1. Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most important landmarks in Türkistan. It is a mausoleum built in honor of the Sufi mystic and poet, Khoja Ahmed Yasawi.
  2. Azret Sultan Historical and Cultural Reserve: This complex includes several important historical sites, including the Mausoleum of Khodzha Akhmed Yassaui, the medieval bathhouse, and a museum.
  3. Aisha Bibi Mausoleum: This 11th-century mausoleum is dedicated to Aisha Bibi, who was said to be the wife of a local ruler. The building features intricate brickwork and is considered one of Kazakhstan’s most beautiful structures.
  4. Babaji Khatun Mausoleum: Built in the 14th century, this mausoleum honors Babaji Khatun, a princess who was known for her piety and charitable works.
  5. Underground Mosque: Located beneath the Khoja Ahmed Yasawi mausoleum, this mosque dates back to the 12th century and features unique architectural details.
  6. Türkistan Regional Museum: This museum showcases artifacts from throughout Kazakhstan’s history, including ancient coins, pottery fragments, and traditional clothing.
  7. Shakpak Ata Necropolis: This ancient burial site features dozens of tombs dating back to between 800 BC and AD 500.
  8. Karashash-Ana Mausoleum: Built in honor of Karashash-Ana (also known as Umai), this structure dates back to around AD 700-800 and is considered an important example of early Turkic architecture.
  9. Zhremsky Cathedral Mosque: Originally built as a Christian church in the early 1900s before being converted into a mosque after Kazakhstan gained independence from Russia.
  10. Kultobe Necropolis: This ancient burial site features hundreds of tombs dating back to the 5th century BC, including those of members of the Saka and Usun tribes.

Primary Industries

  1. Turkistan, Kazakhstan is a city with a rich history and culture, as well as several thriving industries and businesses.
  2. These include:
    • Tourism
    • Agriculture
    • Textile manufacturing
    • Construction
    • Retail trade
    • Food processing
    • Mining
    • Transportation
  3. Tourism is one of the major industries in Turkistan due to its historical significance.
  4. The Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi is a popular attraction that draws thousands of tourists every year.
  5. Agriculture is also an important industry in Turkistan with wheat, cotton and vegetables being the main crops grown in the region.
  6. Textile manufacturing has also been established in the city with several factories producing clothing and fabrics for both local consumption and export.
  7. Construction activity has increased recently due to the growth of tourism which requires more accommodations for visitors.
  8. Retail trade is another industry that exists throughout Turkistan where small shops sell souvenirs, handicrafts and traditional Kazakh products.
  9. Food processing plants have also been established producing dairy products such as cheese and yogurt as well as meat products like sausage.
  10. The region around Turkistan is rich in minerals such as lead, zinc, and copper ore which are mined by local companies.
  11. Turkistan serves as a transportation hub connecting different regions of Kazakhstan through roadways, railways, etc.

Noteable History

  1. The Kazakh Khanate: This was a state that existed from the 15th to the 19th century in Central Asia, including parts of modern-day Kazakhstan. The Kazakh Khanate was ruled by a series of khans and played an important role in regional politics.
  2. Timur: Also known as Tamerlane, Timur was a powerful ruler who conquered much of Central Asia in the late 14th century. He is often considered one of history’s greatest conquerors.
  3. Al-Farabi: Born in Türkistan (now Otrar, Kazakhstan), Al-Farabi was a renowned philosopher and scholar who lived during the Islamic Golden Age. He made significant contributions to fields such as logic, metaphysics, music theory, and political philosophy.
  4. The Silk Road: This ancient trade route passed through Türkistan and played an important role in connecting Europe and Asia for centuries.
  5. The Soviet Era: In the early 20th century, Kazakhstan became part of the Soviet Union and remained so until its collapse in 1991. During this time period, many significant events occurred including forced collectivization under Stalin’s rule and nuclear testing at Semipalatinsk.
  6. Nursultan Nazarbayev: Nazarbayev served as president of Kazakhstan from its independence in 1991 until his resignation in March 2019 after almost three decades in power.
  7. Baikonur Cosmodrome: Located near Türkistan city of Baikonur is one of Russia’s main space launch facilities which has been used for numerous manned missions into space since Yuri Gagarin became first human to orbit Earth on April 12th ,1961.

Museums and Things To See

  1. Hazrat Sultan Mosque is one of the largest mosques in Central Asia.
  2. Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important pilgrimage site for Muslims.
  3. The Central State Museum of Kazakhstan displays artifacts and exhibits related to the history and culture of Kazakhstan.
  4. Almaty Central Park is a popular public park with beautiful scenery, rides, and attractions.
  5. The National Museum of Kazakhstan showcases the country’s history from ancient times to modern day.
  6. The Palace of Peace and Reconciliation is a pyramid-shaped building designed by Norman Foster that serves as a venue for international conferences on peace, diversity, and interfaith dialogue.
  7. Arystanbab Mausoleum is an ancient mausoleum located in Turkestan that is believed to be the final resting place of Saint Arystanbab.
  8. Abylai Khan Museum is dedicated to the life and legacy of Kazakh leader Abylai Khan.
  9. Nur-Astana Mosque is one of the largest mosques in Kazakhstan with beautiful architecture.
  10. Baikonur Cosmodrome was the first space launch site in human history which still operates today!


Sports Teams

  • Turkistan Belediyespor: A professional football club based in Turkistan city of Turkistan Province
  • Founded in 2020
  • Competes at the Turkish Regional Amateur Level Leagues


  • Cultural Events

    1. Nauryz is a traditional spring festival celebrated on March 21st, which marks the beginning of the new year according to the Persian calendar.
    2. Shabyt is an annual festival held in Almaty that celebrates Kazakh culture through music, dance, and art.
    3. Astana Opera Festival is a cultural event that showcases classical music performances by local and international artists at the prestigious Astana Opera House.
    4. Eurasia International Film Festival is an annual film festival held in Almaty that features screenings of independent and international films from around the world.
    5. Silk Road International Music Festival is a musical event featuring traditional Kazakh music as well as performances from musicians across Asia and Europe.
    6. Aitys is a traditional poetry competition where two poets compete against each other to improvise verses on various themes such as love, nature, or politics.
    7. Qazaqstan Zhastary (Kazakhstan Youth) Festival is an annual cultural event showcasing youth talent in art, dance, theatre, and fashion design among others.
    8. Kokpar Championship is a horseback game played in Kazakhstan during festivals like Nauryz where two teams compete for possession of a headless goat carcass while riding horses at full speed.
    9. Baiga is another popular equestrian sport played during festivals like Nauryz where riders gallop their horses while trying to pick up coins scattered on the ground using only their teeth.

    Cuisine

    • Shashlik: These grilled meat skewers are typically made with lamb or beef.
    • Beshbarmak: It is a traditional Kazakh dish made with boiled meat (usually lamb or beef) served over homemade noodles.
    • Laghman: This spicy noodle dish is usually served with meat and vegetables.
    • Plov: A rice dish cooked with meat, carrots, onions, and spices.
    • Manty: Steamed dumplings filled with minced meat and onions.
    • Kuyrdak: Fried liver or kidney mixed with onions and potatoes.
    • Samsa – Flaky pastry filled with spiced minced lamb or beef

    Some of the most popular restaurants in Turkistan include:

    • Chayhana – This restaurant serves traditional Kazakh dishes like beshbarmak, plov, shashlik along with tea (chay).
    • Besik – A cozy restaurant that serves delicious manty along other traditional Kazakh dishes
    • Sultan Grill – The restaurant serves tasty shashlik cooked to perfection on a charcoal grill
    • Kazakh Shaqsy- The restaurant offers a wide range of local cuisine including beshbarmak,lamb kuyrdak etc

    • Parks and Recreation

      1. Central Park – located in Almaty city; it is a vast park with walking trails, playgrounds, and a lake.
      2. Kok-Tobe Hill – situated in Almaty city as well; it is a famous tourist spot with an amusement park, restaurants, and cafes.
      3. Medeu Skating Rink – situated near Almaty city on the Medeu Valley mountain range; it’s one of the world’s highest skating rinks.
      4. Charyn Canyon National Park- located near Almaty city; this canyon has unique rock formations and hiking trails for visitors to explore.
      5. Bayterek Tower – situated in Nur-Sultan (Astana), this tower provides panoramic views of the city from its observation deck.
      6. Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve- Located near Shymkent City; It is one of Kazakhstan’s oldest nature reserves with diverse flora and fauna species for visitors to see while hiking or camping.
      7. Big Almaty Lake- Located at 2511 meters above sea level; this lake has crystal clear water surrounded by mountains making it ideal for picnics or hiking trips.

      Please note that due to COVID-19 restrictions or other factors like weather conditions might affect these public parks’ operations currently so visitors are advised to check before planning visits there.


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