Built in 500 BC, the city of Turkestan is one of the most ancient cities of the Great Silk Road. The historical value is not only the city itself, but also its surroundings. Therefore, our journey begins even outside the city - in the open-air museum - the settlement of Otrar.
The ancient city (4th century BC) was a major center of trade on the Great Silk Road. It is famous for its mint, huge library, and is also the birthplace of the great philosopher Abu Nasr al-Farabi.
The next stop is the resting place of the holy Arystan Baba, the teacher of Khoja Akhmet Yassaui. The legend says that the prophet Mohammed himself called Arystan-babu to convey a blessing to the young Yassaui. Here you can also see an amazing example of the Koran - it is displayed under glass.
In Turkestan itself, we will have a sightseeing tour of the city. Founded over 1500 years ago, it is replete with historical buildings. At one time, Turkestan (also known as Yassy or Shavgar) was the capital of the Kazakh Khanate, the ceremonies of their accession to the throne were held here, and it was here that the ambassadors of foreign states were sent.
The next excursion is the complex of Khoja Akhmet Yassaui. The mausoleum itself is a gigantic rectangular building adorned with portals and domes, one of which is the largest brick dome in all of Central Asia. The complex includes 35 rooms, including a library of ancient books, the Hilvet underground mosque, a bathhouse, etc.
The mausoleum is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
We return back to Shymkent, full of impressions and new memories.
