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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.

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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

KAZAKHSTAN Regions

Eastern

LAKE BALKHASH

Northern

BAYANAUL NATIONAL PARK

Southern

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