Turkistan

Turkistan – “Land of the Turks”. The city of Turkistan is located in the South Kazakhstan region and is one of the oldest cities in Kazakhstan and in the region. The city was first settled at 6^th Centure by former Turk nomads who used it as a caravan stop along Silk Road.

Turkistan (Yassy) was the political and spiritual centre of the Turkic-speaking peoples and was the capital of the Kazakh Khanate for many centuries. One of the city’s main attractions is the mausoleum of Khoja Akhmet Yassawi, built in the late 14th and early 15th centuries.

Today the city is a centre of pilgrimage for Muslims from Kazakhstan, Central Asia and beyond. According to the pilgrims themselves, three trips to the Yassawi mausoleum in Turkestan are equivalent to a small hajj to Mecca.

The city also attracts many tourists interested in ancient cities and culture.

The most interesting archaeological monuments of these places date back to the heyday 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.

There is also a wonderful historical museum, which clearly shows the conquest of the city by the Mongols, as well as a monument from the 12th-20th centuries. – Arystan-bab, dedicated to the teacher and mentor of Khoja Akhmet Yasawi.

Turkistan is a historic region in Central Asia, comprising parts of modern-day Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan. It has a rich history and cultural heritage, influenced by various civilisations and empires over the centuries.

Turkistan was originally inhabited by nomadic tribes, including the Scythians and Sarmatians. In the 6th century AD, the region came under the rule of the Göktürks, a Turkic people who established a powerful empire in Central Asia. The Göktürks were succeeded by several other Turkic dynasties, including the Karakhanids and the Seljuks.

In the 13th century, Turkistan was conquered by the Mongols under Genghis Khan. The Mongol empire eventually collapsed and Turkistan was divided into several khanates, including the Khanate of Bukhara and the Khanate of Khiva. These khanates were later conquered by the Russian Empire in the 19th century.

Turkistan is known for its diverse ethnic groups, including Uzbeks, Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, Tajiks and Turkmens. The region has a rich cultural heritage, influenced by Islamic, Persian and Turkic traditions. It is home to many historical sites, including ancient cities, mosques, madrasahs and mausoleums.

Turkistan is also known for its natural beauty, including mountains, deserts and rivers. The region is home to several national parks and nature reserves, which protect its unique flora and fauna.

Overall, Turkistan is a region of rich history, diverse culture and breathtaking natural beauty. It is a fascinating place to explore and learn about the different civilisations that have shaped Central Asia.