Introduction.
Typically the story of an old city where history is scattered in incredible minarets and sand-buried ruins.
Towering in the sky is Hagia Sophia, and colorful bazaars spread across a vast expanse of land. Turkestan, in southern Kazakhstan, serves as the center of Kazakh art and cuisine.
Turkestan means ‘Land of Turks’. Turkic nomads, traveling the Silk Road, settled here in the early 6th century. The city was formerly ‘Shawgar’ and ‘Yasi,’ gaining its current name in the 16th century as the capital of Kazakh Kantia.
Today, Turkestan comprises various Turkic ethnic groups, from Kazakhs to Uzbeks. The Cooperation Council of Turkic-speaking States declares it the ‘Spiritual Capital of the Turkic World,’ highlighting its deep Islamic history. For the past seven years, Daulat Meldikhanov has worked as a tour operator and guide on the Silk Road, educating tourists from around the world about Turkestan’s history and culture
“Turkistan is a unique city, and recent archaeological research suggests that the history of this city goes back more than two thousand years,” says Meldikhanov. For tourists visiting Turkestan, Meldikhanov lists five must-sees for the city’s architecture, culture, traditional cuisine, and entertainment.
The best example of the Silk Road is the tomb of Khwaja Ahmed Yesavi.
Khwaja Ahmad Yesvi was a famous poet, philosopher, and Sufi who helped to promote and spread Sufism in the Turkic world. After Yasavi died in 1166, his final resting place served as a shrine for travelers on the ‘Sufi Silk Road’.
Meldikhanov pointed out, ‘We can witness over 600 years of Muslim heritage with our own eyes.’ Some walls retain their original form, and 14th-century ornaments endure.
The tomb may be a UNESCO World Legacy Location. The mausoleum is 38.7 meters tall and includes a turquoise arch which is the biggest arch in Central Asia. The tomb is considered one of the finest pieces of design from the Timurid Domain that ruled the locale within the 14th century.
The 35-room tomb has antiquated Persian depictions, a mosque, and antiquated stone carvings on the outside of the landmark. The structure of this tomb was built close to the conclusion of the Silk Street period.
“Murud Nazarov, a colleague of Meldikhanov, stated, “The tomb of Khawaja Ahmad Yasavi still stands today as an important testament to its past glory, even as much of the Silk Road fades into history.
Izat Sultan Museum.
If history seen in the form of Khwaja Ahmed Yasawi’s tomb tempts you to explore further, the Azrat Sultan Museum will not disappoint you. Spread over 1,235 acres and featuring an impressive array of written, architectural, and cultural artifacts, the museum is designed to help popularize Kazakhstan’s national history.
You’d have to come here many times to see the museum spread over such a large area, but Meldikhanov recommends visiting a few places located here.
They excavated this mosque to a depth of four meters, positioning Khwaja Yasawi’s private room to face the sunlight, and meticulously designed it to preserve the prayer routine
Moreover, until 1979, these hot water baths were functional. Pilgrims visiting Khawaja Yasawi’s tomb used to bathe and cleanse their bodies here before proceeding. Although hot water is no longer available for bathing, these baths are still present in the museum as an exhibit.
A domed brick structure, which once hosted sacred rituals, remains accessible solely through a local guide. Visiting Rabia Sultan Begum’s tomb here is also highly recommended.
Best Leisure Experience: Caravanserai Complex.
Some people call this area ‘Kazakh Venice’ because of a canal here, but it is a complex called Caravan Saray.
Karvan Sarai, a five-star hotel, embodies cultural pride and hospitality. Stop here for a night boat ride and the tale of Kazakh Romeo and Juliet. Here at Karwan Sarai, there is a very interesting flying theater where you can feel like a flying bird.
Furthermore, it’s an excellent Cornish market for Kazakh food
Whether it’s a refreshing drink or a hearty meal, Meldikhanov encourages travelers to stop at one of Turkestan’s many markets, the Cornish Bazaar.”You’ll discover nourishment, new natural products, vegetables, dresses, and much more here,” Meldekhanov said.
Located just a 10-minute walk from the shrine of Khawaja Ahmad Yasavi, this market showcases traditional Kazakh art and cuisine. Local vendors expertly sell embroidered cloths and carved pottery. The mouth-watering aromas of the food reflect Kazakhstan’s commitment to meat.
“In Kazakhstan, a common joke prevails that it’s the world’s second-largest meat consumer, and when asked who the number one carnivore is, the answer is the wolf,” Meldikhanov told Azrah Tafnan.
Optimal Travel Begins at Turkestan Station.
Turkestan Railway Station itself is a charming place, famous for its unique round arch and charming mint-colored walls. It draws inspiration from 20th-century Soviet architecture harmonizing with Kazakh tiles. Recall that Russia occupied this city in 1864. According to Meldikhanov, this railway station is the best and The fusion of Russian and Kazakh architecture in Turkestan is exemplified authentically. Tourists can enjoy scenic train views of Turkestan and nearby cities.
Highlights of Turkestan Exploration.
| Elements | Description |
|---|---|
| Khwaja Ahmed Yasavi Tomb | Over 600 years of Muslim heritage, UNESCO World Heritage Site, 38.7 meters tall, turquoise arch, 14th-century Timurid architecture. |
| Azrat Sultan Museum | Spread over 1,235 acres, featuring written, architectural, and cultural artifacts, including excavated mosques, Khwaja Yasawi’s private room, Rabia Sultan Begum’s tomb, and hot water baths exhibit. |
| Caravanserai Complex | Often called ‘Kazakh Venice,’ a cultural hub with a five-star hotel, flying theater, boat ride, and Cornish market for Kazakh food. |
| Cornish Bazaar | Traditional market near the shrine of Khawaja Ahmad Yasavi, showcasing Kazakh art and cuisine, including embroidered cloths, carved pottery, and a variety of foods reflecting Kazakhstan’s commitment to meat. |
| Turkestan Railway Station | A charming blend of Russian and Kazakh architecture, featuring a unique round arch and mint-colored walls, providing scenic train views of Turkestan and nearby cities. |
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Turkestan stands as a unique city with a rich history dating back over two thousand years, where Turkic nomads settled and the Silk Road played a pivotal role in cultural exchange. The city, now declared the ‘Spiritual Capital of the Turkic World,’ boasts deep Islamic roots and is a melting pot of various Turkic ethnic groups. From the tomb of Khwaja Ahmed Yasavi, a testament to over 600 years of Muslim heritage, to the expansive Azrat Sultan Museum, preserving Kazakhstan’s national history, Turkestan offers a journey through time and culture.
The Caravanserai Complex, often referred to as ‘Kazakh Venice,’ provides a unique leisure experience with its cultural pride, hospitality, and a flying theater that lets visitors feel like flying birds. The Cornish Bazaar, just a short walk from the shrine of Khawaja Ahmad Yasavi, showcases traditional Kazakh art and cuisine, reflecting the country’s commitment to meat.
The Turkestan Railway Station, with its charming round arch and mint-colored walls, serves as a fusion of Russian and Kazakh architecture, offering scenic train views of Turkestan and its surroundings. As a guide and tour operator on the Silk Road, Daulat Meldikhanov emphasizes the uniqueness of Turkestan, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a blend of history, culture, and culinary delights.
FAQs.
Q1: What does the name ‘Turkestan’ mean, and what is its historical significance?
A: ‘Turkestan’ means ‘Land of Turks,’ and the city has historical significance as a settlement for Turkic nomads along the Silk Road since the early 6th century.
Q2: What is the significance of Khwaja Ahmed Yasavi’s tomb in Turkestan?
A: Khwaja Ahmed Yasavi’s tomb is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing over 600 years of Muslim heritage. The mausoleum is considered one of the finest examples of Timurid architecture from the 14th century.
Q3: What attractions are recommended at the Azrat Sultan Museum?
A: The Azrat Sultan Museum, spread over 1,235 acres, features written, architectural, and cultural artifacts, including excavated mosques, Khwaja Yasawi’s private room, and Rabia Sultan Begum’s tomb.
Q4: What is unique about the Caravanserai Complex, and why is it called ‘Kazakh Venice’?
A: The Caravanserai Complex is often referred to as ‘Kazakh Venice’ due to its canal. It includes a five-star hotel, a flying theater, and cultural experiences, offering a blend of leisure, cultural pride, and hospitality.
Q5: What can visitors expect at the Cornish Bazaar in Turkestan?
A: The Cornish Bazaar, located near the shrine of Khawaja Ahmad Yasavi, showcases traditional Kazakh art and cuisine. Local vendors offer embroidered cloths, carved pottery, and a variety of foods reflecting Kazakhstan’s commitment to meat.
