Shymkent: The Heart of Southern Kazakhstan

• HelloСәлем
  [Salem]
• GoodbyeҚош келдіңіз
  [Qoş keldiniz]
• YesИя
  [Iya]
• NoЖоқ
  [Joq]
• Please/You're welcomeРахмет
  [Rahmet]
• Thank youРахмет
  [Rahmet]
• Excuse me/SorryКешіріңіз
  [Keshiriniz]
• How are you?Қалайсыз?
  [Qalaisyz?]
• Fine. And you?Жақсымын. Сіз кім?
  [Jaqsımın. Siz kim?]
• Do you speak English?Сіз ағылшынша сөйлейсіз бе?
  [Siz ağılşınşa söylesiz be?]
• I don't understandМен түсінбеймін
  [Men tüsinbeymin]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseМенюмен танысу қаладым, рахмет
  [Menyumеn tanısý kaladım, rаhmet]
• I don't eat meatМен домалмаймын
  [Men domalmaımın]
• Cheers!Тамшысыңдар!
  [Tаmshısındаr!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseТөлетін келіп тұрыңыз
  [Tоletin kelip turınız]

• Help!Көмек!
  [Kömek!]
• Go away!Барыңыз!
  [Barınız!]
• Call the Police!Полицияны қарап шақырыңыз!
  [Poliyanı qarap shaqırınız!]
• Call a doctor!Докторды шақырыңыз!
  [Doktordı shaqırınız!]
• I'm lostМен ашықпын
  [Men aşıqpin]
• I'm illМен аурулым
  [Men aurulım]

• I'd like to buy...Сатып алғым келеді
  [Satıp alǵım keledi]
• I'm just lookingТек қараушы
  [Tek qaraushı]
• How much is it?Ол канша?
  [Ol qansha?]
• That's too expensiveОл тым дорын
  [Ol tım dorın]
• Can you lower the price?Бағаны төмендете аласыз бе?
  [Baganı tоmendete аlasız be?]

• What time is it?Қанша уақыт?
  [Qаnşа uaqıt?]
• It's one o'clockБірде
  [Bіrde]
• Half past (10)Он алтының жарымы
  [On altınıñ jarımı]
• MorningТаң
  [Tañ]
• AfternoonКеш
  [Keş]
• EveningКеш
  [Keş]
• YesterdayКеше
  [Keşe]
• TodayБүгін
  [Bügin]
• TomorrowЕртең
  [Erteñ]
• 1Бір
  [Bіr]
• 2Екі
  [Eki]
• 3Үш
  [Üş]
• 4Төрт
  [Tört]
• 5Бес
  [Bes]
• 6Алты
  [Altı]
• 7Жеті
  [Jeti]
• 8Сегіз
  [Segiz]
• 9Тоғыз
  [Toğız]
• 10Он
  [On]

• Where's a/the...?... қайда?
  [... qayda?]
• What's the address?Мекенжай неге?
  [Mekenjay nege?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Меніңге көрсете аласыз бе?
  [Meniñge körsete аlasız be?]
• When's the next (bus)?Келесі (автобус) казір келеді ме?
  [Kelesi (avtobus) kazir keledi me?]
• A ticket (to ....)Билет (.... ге)
  [Bilet (.... ge)]

Shymkent, one of Kazakhstan's oldest cities, was founded in the 12th century as a caravanserai, a roadside inn where travelers could rest and recover from the day's journey along the Silk Road. It soon developed into a bustling market town, becoming a key trading hub in the region.

During the 13th century, Shymkent came under attack by the Mongol Empire. The city was captured and became part of the Mongol domain, leading to significant demographic and cultural changes. The Mongol rule also integrated Shymkent into a broader network of trade and communication.

In the 14th and 15th centuries, Shymkent came under the control of the Timurid Empire. Under the Timurid rule, the city saw considerable growth in arts and architecture. The influence of Timur's capital, Samarkand, was evident in the local culture and urban development.

In the 16th century, Shymkent became part of the Kazakh Khanate. It served as a critical frontier post, playing a significant role in the Khanate's defense against external threats. This period was marked by the city's fortification and the construction of defensive structures.

By the mid-19th century, Shymkent was incorporated into the expanding Russian Empire. The city's strategic location made it a focal point for Russian military and administrative activities in the region. This era saw the introduction of Russian architectural styles and urban planning.

Following the Russian Revolution in 1917, Shymkent became part of the Soviet Union. The city underwent significant industrialization, with the establishment of factories and collective farms. The Soviet period also brought educational and cultural institutions, transforming Shymkent into a modern city.

With Kazakhstan's independence in 1991, Shymkent embarked on a new chapter of development. The city has since experienced rapid growth, becoming an important economic and cultural center in southern Kazakhstan. The blend of its rich history and modern advancements makes Shymkent a unique destination.

Shymkent is served by Shymkent International Airport (CIT), located about 12 kilometers from the city center. Direct flights are available from major cities like Almaty, Nur-Sultan (Astana), Moscow, and Istanbul. For those traveling by train, Shymkent Railway Station has connections to other parts of Kazakhstan and neighboring countries. Buses and marshrutkas (minibuses) are also available for intercity travel.

Within Shymkent, public transportation includes buses, trolleybuses, and marshrutkas. Taxis are widely available and relatively affordable. Ride-hailing apps like Yandex.Taxi and Uber operate in the city. For a more local experience, consider renting a bicycle or walking, especially in the city center where many attractions are close to each other.

The official currency in Kazakhstan is the Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT). Credit and debit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry some cash for small purchases and when traveling to more remote areas. ATMs are widely available throughout Shymkent.

Shymkent is generally safe for tourists, but it is always wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and be cautious in crowded places to avoid pickpocketing. The neighborhood around the central bazaar can be busy and chaotic, so stay alert. Always use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps for transportation.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Shymkent has several hospitals and medical facilities. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are readily available for minor health issues. The local police station can assist with legal matters and lost property.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes and cover your head when entering mosques. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Shymkent like a local, visit the local markets such as the Central Bazaar and Samal Bazaar for fresh produce and traditional Kazakh goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss the historical sites like the Akmeshit Cave and the ancient city of Sayram. For a unique experience, take a walk in the Independence Park and enjoy a meal at a traditional Kazakh yurt.