Why visit Turkistan in Kazakhstan?
Looking for a destination that blends ancient history, spiritual depth, and modern charm? Nestled in the sun-drenched steppes of southwestern Kazakhstan, Turkistan is calling. With its breathtaking architecture, sacred heritage, and vibrant cultural life, this city offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of Central Asia. I had the privilege of visiting this magnificent city, witnessing firsthand its transformation into a cultural and spiritual beacon. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a spiritual seeker, or simply in search of beauty and authenticity, Turkistan promises an experience like no other.
In recent months, the Kazakh city of Turkistan has been gaining attention across social media. A historic gem and UNESCO World Heritage site, Turkistan is a spiritual center for the Turkic-Muslim world and a rising star in Central Asian tourism.
Located in the sun-scorched steppe of southwestern Kazakhstan, this ancient Silk Road city welcomes over a million visitors each year. Some come as pilgrims to honor the 12th-century Sufi mystic Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, while others are drawn by the city’s stunning architecture and archaeological treasures.
At the heart of Turkistan stands the awe-inspiring mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, commissioned by Timur the Great, founder of the Timurid Empire. With its intricate blue-tiled façade and grand domes, the mausoleum is both a sacred site and a major tourist attraction, proudly listed as a UNESCO cultural heritage site.
Between the nomadic life, the beautiful horses, the beautiful buildings, the beautiful traditions and the delicious food, in the photo you can see how happy I am.
Ahmed Yesevi’s influence spread widely across Central Asia and beyond. His tomb in Turkistan became a major pilgrimage site, and his spiritual legacy was honored by Timur, who built a grand mausoleum over his grave. His teachings, conveyed in simple Turkic verse, played a key role in spreading Islam among the nomadic Turkic peoples. He left behind many disciples and spiritual successors, and his impact is still felt in the Turkic-Islamic world today.
The Kazakh government has invested heavily in the city’s infrastructure, offering high-quality hotels and modern amenities. Visitors can enjoy open-air shopping, try on traditional costumes, ride horses, and capture breathtaking photos of the landscape. Turkistan concentrates centuries of history, culture, and spirituality into one vibrant destination.
We can do a few hours of horse riding in several places in the city.
One of the most beautiful place is Otyrar city. Otyrar is one of Central Asia’s most ancient cities, whose history dates back 2,000 years. It was a significant cultural and trade center located on one of the main branches of the Great Silk Road. The city is also known as Farab because world-famous philosopher and mathematician Abu Nasr Muhammad Al-Farabi was born and grew up in this area.
The period from the 10th to 12th centuries was a time when urban life flourished and when numerous palaces, bathhouses and mosques appeared according to Astana Times.
Karavansaray Turkistan Tourist Complex is the only and unique tourist complex in Central Asia, the architecture of which is made in the style of an oriental fairy tale. It’s like the little Venice of Kazakhstan as you can see in my picture below. The complex; With the harbor area, amphitheater, shopping areas, 2 hotels, spa, cinema, Interactive Flying Theater, family entertainment center, bedesten, market place, cafes, restaurants, walking paths and pond-canals; …
For a truly immersive and unforgettable experience, a visit to the Flying Theater ALTYN SAMURYQ is highly recommended. This exclusive project, with no equivalent in Central Asia, offers far more than a traditional attraction—it features an interactive museum and a multimedia journey through the rich and captivating history of Kazakhstan. Using cutting-edge technology and breathtaking visuals, visitors are transported into the heart of the country’s landscapes, legends, and defining historical moments. It’s a must-see destination for anyone interested in culture, history, and extraordinary sensory experiences.
From the Mausoleum of Rabia Sultan Begum to the Underground Mosque and the Karavan Saray cultural complex, the city offers a rich and immersive experience for all who visit.
