History of Turkestan

History of our city

The city of Turkestan is located in the South-Kazakhstan region and is one of the oldest cities in Kazakhstan: it was founded more than 1500 years ago.

Turkestan (Iasi) was the political and spiritual center of the Turkic-speaking peoples and was the capital of the Kazakh Khanate for many centuries. One of the main attractions of the city is the mausoleum of Khoja Ahmet Yassaui, built in the late 14th - early 15th centuries.

At the moment the city is the center of pilgrimage of Muslims of Kazakhstan, Central Asia and other countries. According to the pilgrims themselves, three trips to the mausoleum of Yassaui in Turkestan equals a small hajj to Mecca.

Also, many tourists come to the city, interested in ancient cities and culture. The most interesting archaeological sites of these places belong to the epoch of prosperity of the medieval city of Otrar. After many years of archaeological excavations, these archaeological sites were included in the historical and cultural reserve - Otrar Oasis.

Also located here is a beautiful historical museum that clearly demonstrates the city's capture by the Mongols, as well as a monument of the 12th-20th centuries. - Arystan-Bab, dedicated to the teacher and mentor of Khoja Ahmet Yassawi