In the south of Kazakhstan, on the Talas River near the Kyrgyz border is Taraz, a major city of the Jambyl province. Dating back more than 2,000 years, it is one of the oldest cities in Kazakhstan and in 2001 UNESCO recognized its status as a World Heritage Site. Originally a fortress, it was the site of the Battle of Zhizhi nearly 50 years BC and in 750 AD, the river was the site of the Battle of Talas, fought between the Tang Dynasty and the Abbasid Caliphate during which the Arabs took the Chinese paper makers hostage, resulting in the introduction of paper into the western world.
Under the rule of many empires from the Arabs and Persians to the Mongols and the Dzungars, Taraz is an archaeological treasure trove full of historical architecture and artifacts. Its streets are lined with mosques and mausoleums, while the Regional Museum is home to many examples of the city's history and the bustling market harkens back to when Taraz was a major city on the Silk Road.
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Just 10 miles outside Taraz, stands the beautifully-preserved and restored Ayshah Bibi Mausoleum. Built in the Kharakhanid era for the daughter of a Sufi Poet who was engaged to the ruler at the the time, visitors flock to this monument dedicated to love, to pray for children and happiness in its pretty surroundings overlooking the Taraz oasis.
Dating back to the 11th century, Babadja-Khatun is unique in Central Asia for its distinctive umbrella-shaped, ribbed dome. Visitors come to explore its cavernous hall and to see the Arabic script on the wall that reads ‘The woman from the country of Babadji’.
Celebrating the rich history of Taraz and its surrounding areas, the Regional Museum bustles with visitors year-round. The beautiful domed building houses ancient stone carvings; medieval pottery and paintings can be found in the rear courtyard, while the main hall is home to stuffed animals, local jewelry and a preserved yurt.
Once a major trade center, the bustling Shakhristan Market recollects ancient Taraz. Perfect for browsing and searching for unusual and unique souvenirs including clothing and jewelry, there are also a number of cafes and food stall to enjoy local delicacies.
The city’s stadium is home to its beloved football team, FC Taraz, who currently play in the Kazakh premier league, having been promoted from the first division when they won the cup in 2004. The city’s football fans and visitors alike regularly gather here for games.
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Make the most out of your time in Central Asia with this action-packed, nine-day tour of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Starting in Almaty, Kazakhstan and ending in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, this tour will take you from the Charyn Canyon to the Gur-Emir mausoleum, visiting five major cities and touring historical and cultural attractions.
From large cities to nature reserves, mausoleums to museums, this comprehensive 18-day trip through Kazakhstan provides an excellent overview of what this diverse Central Asian country has to offer. Whether you like to stroll through a major city or hike through the mountains, this itinerary has it all!
The Alnur Hotel is a modern, European-style hotel in the heart of Taraz, Kazakhstan. The hotel features a range of different double and twin bedroom options, and all rooms available come with hot water, heating, private bathrooms and comfortable beds. Each room also comes with its own telephone, refrigerator, cable TV, shower and air-conditioner. The hotel is well-placed in the southern Kazakhstan city of Taraz, which is one of the oldest cities in the country and once played an important role in the ancient silk route that encompassed the region. Guests staying at this hotel can walk to nearby attractions and take advantage of local restaurants, cafes and bars that surround the area.
This modern hotel in the south Kazakhstan city of Taraz offers 24 rooms catering to guests visiting from all over the world. Ark MS is a modern-built hotel located near the Astana district of Taraz, as well as the nearby Presidential Park. The range of different rooms are spacious and comfortable, each featuring amenities such as satellite TV, air-conditioning, a mini-bar and private bathrooms. There is also free Wi-Fi throughout for guests’ convenience. The hotel also boasts a downstairs restaurant that can sit up to 150 people, a large bar for 150 and a separate VIP section that can be rented out. For those not wanting to dine inside the hotel, there are a few fine restaurants and cafes in the nearby area that remain open late.
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