Exploring Turkestan: The Charm of Antiquity and Culture

Turkestan, situated in the heart of Central Asia, is a true gem of history, culture, and architecture. This remarkable region attracts tourists from around the world with its architectural landmarks, authentic traditions, and the hospitality of local residents.

If you're traveling through Kazakhstan, be sure to allocate a day or two to this city. A journey to Turkestan promises to be an exciting and memorable experience, especially for foreign tourists eager to immerse themselves in authentic Kazakh culture.

The Silk Road

The city of Turkestan (previously known as Yassy) was an important hub on the legendary Silk Road—the trade route that connected China and India with European countries for many centuries. Caravans laden with valuable goods such as spices, textiles, and porcelain traversed the territory of Kazakhstan, including Turkestan. This left its mark on the city's character and its rich cultural heritage.

Getting to Turkestan

Your journey to Turkestan begins with arriving in the city of Shymkent, which boasts well-developed infrastructure. Flights to Shymkent are available from all major cities in Kazakhstan, as well as from Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and other countries. From Shymkent, it's easy to reach Turkestan by taxi or rental transport. The distance between Shymkent and Turkestan is approximately 170 km, and the journey takes about 2 hours. The road between the cities has good asphalt pavement, ensuring a comfortable ride.

Alternatively, direct flights to the Turkestan airport offer a more comfortable and faster travel option. However, flights to and from Turkestan are not operated daily, so there's a chance that there won't be flights on the dates you've chosen. If you're willing to spend more time on the road and are not particularly concerned about comfort, you can travel to Turkestan from Astana or Almaty, although this is unlikely to be your best travel experience.

What to See in Turkestan

Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi

The first attraction that captivates tourists upon arrival in Turkestan is the magnificent mausoleum dedicated to the great Sufi poet Khoja Ahmed Yasawi. We'll delve into who he was and his connection to Kazakhstan shortly.

This architectural masterpiece from the 13th century is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and impresses with its mosaics, patterns, and architectural solutions. Persian architects constructed it using innovative technologies for that time, which were later applied in the construction of other Central Asian cities.

Visitors can enter any of the 8 halls of the mausoleum to see the graves of Kazakh judges and the tomb of Ahmed Yasawi himself. The interior of the mausoleum remains cool throughout the year (though it can be extremely hot outside in summer, reaching up to 45 or even 50 degrees Celsius) and shrouded in mysterious semi-darkness.

The entrance fee is only $0.5.

The main hall is under reconstruction in 2024, but upon completion, you'll see its main relic—a huge bowl (called "tay-kazan" in Kazakh) adorned with Eastern ornaments. For a long time, this bowl was kept in the Hermitage Museum in Russia but was returned to Kazakhstan in the late 1980s. Additionally, an ancient Quran (the sacred book for Muslims) stamped by one of the most significant khans in the history of Kazakhstan, Kenesary, is displayed inside the mausoleum.

The area around the Yasawi mausoleum is called the "Azret Sultan" reserve and is an excellent location for authentic photographs.

Directly opposite the Yasawi mausoleum, you'll see another building — the mausoleum of Rabia Sultan Begim, built in the 15th century. Interestingly, this mausoleum is dedicated to a woman — the daughter of the scientist and astronomer Ulugbek and the wife of one of the Kazakh khans.

Next to the mausoleums is a 19th-century mosque — a single-story wooden building, next to which is a functioning well from which some people believe you can drink holy water. By the way, the strict guardians of the well do not allow it to be photographed—only to drink from it and make wishes.

Here, you can also visit small shops with Eastern goods and souvenirs, as well as take a ride on colorful camels (which, unfortunately, may emit not the most pleasant odors).

Yasawi Museum

Next to the mausoleum there is a modern futuristic building — the museum dedicated to the great poet. Here, tourists can acquaint themselves not only with Yasawi's biography but also with the rich history and culture of the region. Archaeological finds, artworks, and cult objects related to the life and work of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi are displayed here.

So, who is Ahmed Yasawi, and why did the Kazakhs build a whole mausoleum over his grave, playing an important role in the culture of the people for many centuries? He is one of the most revered spiritual leaders of Kazakhstan and all of Central Asia. Born in the 12th century in the city of Yassi, located in modern-day Kazakhstan, Khoja Ahmed Yasawi was the founder of a Sufi order and became a symbol of spirituality and wisdom for many generations of Kazakhs and residents of the region.

For the Kazakh people, Khoja Ahmed Yasawi holds special significance as a symbol of unity, wisdom, and spiritual guidance. His teachings of love, tolerance, and compassion continue to inspire and fill the hearts of many believers, making him an important figure in the cultural and religious identity of Kazakhstan. Therefore, visiting the mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi for foreign tourists also becomes an opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich history and spiritual heritage of this amazing country.

Altyn Samruk Flying Theater

This is another must-see attraction if you're in Turkestan. Finding this theater is very easy— just look for the golden dome between the Yasawi mausoleum and the Caravansaray complex.

The entrance ticket costs around $14. The price includes a guided mini-tour through the halls of Kazakhstan's history and a visit to the flying theater itself. You'll be invited into a hall equipped with a spherical screen and seats similar to those on an amusement ride. When the show begins, you'll embark on a virtual journey through the lands of Kazakhstan, following the mythical bird Samruk. The performance lasts about 6 minutes, but the impressions will last a lifetime!

Eastern Bathhouse (sauna)

Relax and unwind in an authentic Eastern bathhouse, where you can enjoy traditional procedures and massages that will leave you feeling completely relaxed and rejuvenated.

First President's Park

Adjacent to the Yasawi mausoleum is a picturesque park, a favorite leisure spot for locals and tourists alike. Here, you can see the memorial complex of Kazakh rulers — khans, rent a bicycle, and relax on a bench.

The Mosque

In close proximity to the park is a modern mosque. Although it was recently built, this sanctuary reflects the richness and diversity of Islamic architecture and serves as a place of worship for Muslims.

Caravansaray Complex

Embark on a journey into the past by visiting the Caravansaray — a recreated trading center on the Silk Road. This modern construction mimics an ancient city with its numerous shops, houses, and administrative complexes.

To some tourists, Caravansaray reminds them of Disneyland, but with an Eastern twist. Here, you'll truly experience a fairy-tale atmosphere: pleasant music plays, tourists are ferried along canals, and in the evening (daily, precisely at 8:00 PM), a colorful costumed show—the "Kyz-Zhibek and Tolegen" boat parade—begins.

What you must do on the Caravansaray grounds:

- Take a boat ride. The duration of the ride is 20-30 minutes, and the cost is around $10.
- Take photos in Kazakh national costumes with an eagle or on a throne, costing around $5.
- Try Kazakh dishes at the Sandyk restaurant. The average bill is $40.

Where to Stay

One of the most convenient and comfortable accommodation options in Turkestan is the Caravanserai Hotel, which is part of the complex.

This hotel offers cozy rooms with modern amenities, excellent service, and an atmosphere that immerses you in the spirit of ancient East. Accommodation here is available on a bed and breakfast basis. Also, there's the AJANA spa center on-site, offering a Finnish sauna and a hammam (unfortunately, there's no swimming pool).

However, besides the Caravanserai Hotel, there are several decent hotels in the center of Turkestan, including Hampton by Hilton (***) and, a bit further from the center, Rixos Turkistan (*****) and Ramada by Wyndham Turkistan (****). However, you'll need to take a taxi to get to the Caravanserai complex from there.

Where to Eat

Don't miss the opportunity to taste the authentic flavors of Turkestan by visiting local cafes and restaurants.
Turkestan is close to the border with Uzbekistan, and the influence of Uzbek cuisine is significant here. Therefore, there are many cafes in Turkestan offering amazing Uzbek plov (a dish of rice, meat, and spices), dolma (minced meat wrapped in grape leaves), and other dishes.

If you want to eat European cuisine on a budget, you can choose Coffee Boom cafe — they offer a wide selection of dishes, a cozy interior, and affordable prices.