Turkestan
The Persians originally used the term Turkistan to refer to the area across what is now Central Asia, which was inhabited by the Turks and includes areas of modern day Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. In the 1860s, as the Persian Empire was weakened, the Russians were able to take the city in Kazakhstan that is known today as Turkistan. The city is located in the Kazakh south, near the Syr Darya River.
The site's legacy dates back to the 4th century and has a long history, being at times known as Yassay and Hazrat. It is the burial place of the Sufi Sheikh Khoja Akhmet Yassawi and for this reason, it's considered an important seat of Islamic learning and is a sacred destination for Muslim pilgrims. In its history, it has been ruled by the Chinese Han dynasty and Tamerlane, and is the site of many historical and architectural places of interest. With its desert climate, the winters are short and cold and the summers long, hot and dry.
Experiences
A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.
History Museum
Located within the Yassawi Mausoleum complex, the History Museum is a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims. The artefacts and exhibitions focus on the teachings of Khoja Akhmet Yassawi, Sufism and Islam. Visitors can explore the exhibits, many of which are labelled in English.
Khoja Ahkmet Yassawi Mausoleum
The vast mausoleum complex commemorates the 10th-century Muslim mystic Khoja Akhmet Yassawi, who died in the city and is buried on the site. The vast mazar built over the mausoleum was commissioned by Tamerlane, and its distinctive turquoise dome attracts flocks of pilgrims every year.
Medieval bathhouse
This beautifully-restored and maintained bathhouse dates back centuries and is a popular destination with visitors from all over. Travelers explore the shady rooms with their exposed brick work, arranged in elaborate domes overhead and the curved alcoves with their cast iron basins.
Tombs
Many important personages from Turkic history are laid to rest in Turkistan. They include Tamerlane's granddaughter, Roghbia Sultan Begum - and her tomb is just one of the many beautifully-designed Khanate mausoleums throughout the city, popular among enthusiasts of ancient architecture.
Turkistan railway station
Considered an important landmark, the city’s railway station was built in 1903 as part of the Orenburg-Tashkent rail route. With its spacious square and fountains to the front, the station is a bustling hub of action with passengers mingling with food sellers.
Kazakhstan Regions
Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below on the right.
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With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
Travelogues
An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
Four Can’t-Miss Cities in Kazakhstan
- Author
- Travelogues
Kazakhstan, a landlocked nation of endless steppes and highlands. It’s a treasure of natural wonders, but don’t forget these four cities on your Central Asian journey.
What You’re Missing at Kazakhstan’s Burabay National Park
- Author
- Travelogues
It may seem like it’s in the middle of nowhere, but there’s plenty to like in this hidden Kazakhstan gem. In Burabay National Park, you can have a peaceful time or an intense time. It’s up to you.
Beyond Borat: What to See in Kazakhstan
- Author
- Travelogues
We tend to think that Kazakhstan is a whole lot better than “very nice” and here are a few reasons to go.
What Others Say
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Marge & Julie, London
We had a wonderful time on our trip to Sri Lanka....we definitely had numerous experiences that would not have occurred had we just used one of the bigger travel agencies.
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