Turkestan: The Heart of Kazakhstan's Spiritual Heritage

• HelloСәлем
  [Salem]
• GoodbyeҚош келдіңіз
  [Qoş keldiniz]
• YesИя
  [Iya]
• NoЖоқ
  [Joq]
• Please/You're welcomeРахмет
  [Rakhmet]
• Thank youРахмет сізге
  [Rakhmet sizge]
• Excuse me/SorryКешіріңіз
  [Keshiringiz]
• How are you?Қалайсыз ба?
  [Qalaisyz ba?]
• Fine. And you?Жақсым. Сіздің жағдайыңыз қалай?
  [Jaqsym. Sizdiń jağdaiyynyz qalai?]
• 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, pleaseМенюді көруге болады маған, рахмет
  [Menyudi köruge bolady mağan, rakhmet]
• I don't eat meatМен тамақ қазық жемемін
  [Men tamaq qazıq jememin]
• Cheers!Сау болыңыз!
  [Saw bolıńız!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseТөлеуге болады маған, рахмет
  [Töleuge bolady mağan, rakhmet]

• Help!Көмек!
  [Kömek!]
• Go away!Ауырсың!
  [Awırsıń!]
• Call the Police!Полицияға қоңырау шақырыңыз!
  [Politsiıağa qońırau şaqırıńız!]
• Call a doctor!Докторға қоңырау шақырыңыз!
  [Doktorğa qońırau şaqırıńız!]
• I'm lostМен абзалым
  [Men abzalım]
• I'm illМен аурулым
  [Men awrulım]

• I'd like to buy...Сатып алуға болады маған...
  [Satıp aluga bolady mağan...]
• I'm just lookingТек көріп тұрмын
  [Tek körip tурмын]
• How much is it?Ол канша болады?
  [Ol qansha bolady?]
• That's too expensiveОл тым де арзан
  [Ol tım de arzan]
• Can you lower the price?Бағаны төмендеуге болады ма?
  [Bağany tömendeuge bolady ma?]

• What time is it?Қандай уақыт?
  [Qanday waqıt?]
• It's one o'clockБір жеткізді
  [Bir jetkizdi]
• Half past (10)Он бесіктен алтыға
  [On besikten altığa]
• MorningТаң
  [Tań]
• AfternoonКеш
  [Keş]
• EveningКеш
  [Keş]
• YesterdayКеше
  [Keşe]
• TodayБүгін
  [Bügin]
• TomorrowЕртең
  [Erteñ]
• 1Бір
  [Bir]
• 2Екі
  [Eki]
• 3Үш
  [Üsh]
• 4Төрт
  [Tört]
• 5Бес
  [Bes]
• 6Алты
  [Altı]
• 7Жеті
  [Jeti]
• 8Сегіз
  [Segiz]
• 9Тоғыз
  [Toğız]
• 10Он
  [On]

• Where's a/the...?... қайда?
  [... Qayda?]
• What's the address?Мекенжайы қандай?
  [Mekenjayı qanday?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Карта/картада көрсетсеңіз бе?
  [Karta/kartada körsetsengiz be?]
• When's the next (bus)?Келесі (автобус) кезінде кейін
  [Kelesi (avtobus) kezinde keyin]
• A ticket (to ....)Билет (... -ге)
  [Bilet (... -ge)]

Turkestan, known as Yassy in ancient times, has roots stretching back to the 4th century AD. It was a significant settlement along the Silk Road, serving as a hub of commercial and cultural exchange between the East and West. The city's strategic location made it a melting pot of various cultures and traditions.

In the 12th century, Turkestan became the epicenter of Yasawi Sufism, a mystical Islamic belief system. This rise was largely due to the influence of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a renowned Sufi poet and philosopher. His spiritual teachings and poetry attracted followers from across Central Asia, establishing Turkestan as a major religious center.

Commissioned by Timur (Tamerlane) in the 14th century, the grand Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi is Turkestan's most iconic landmark. This architectural marvel stands as a testament to Timurid architecture, featuring intricate tile work, massive domes, and expansive courtyards. It remains a major pilgrimage site for Muslims in Central Asia.

The Timurid Empire, under the leadership of Timur, left a significant mark on Turkestan. Timur's patronage of the arts and architecture led to the city's flourishing as a cultural hub. The period saw the construction of numerous madrasas, caravanserais, and public baths, enhancing the city's status and infrastructure.

During the 16th to 18th centuries, Turkestan was a key city within the Kazakh Khanate. It served as the political and spiritual capital, where Kazakh khans were crowned and buried. The city's strategic importance continued to grow, and it became a center of resistance against various invading forces.

In the late 19th century, Turkestan fell under Russian control as part of the Russian Empire's expansion into Central Asia. The city saw the introduction of new administrative and infrastructural developments. However, Russian rule also led to significant cultural and social changes, impacting the traditional way of life.

Under Soviet rule, Turkestan underwent considerable transformation. The Soviet authorities implemented industrialization and collectivization policies, altering the city's economic landscape. Despite these changes, efforts were made to preserve Turkestan's historical and cultural heritage, including the restoration of the Yasawi Mausoleum.

Following Kazakhstan's independence in 1991, Turkestan experienced a cultural and historical revival. The government undertook significant restoration projects to preserve the city's ancient sites and promote its heritage. Turkestan was declared a city of national significance, further boosting tourism and international interest.

Today, Turkestan is a vibrant blend of ancient traditions and modern developments. It continues to attract pilgrims, historians, and tourists from around the world. The city's ongoing efforts to balance preservation with progress make it a unique destination, reflecting the rich tapestry of its historical and cultural legacy.

Turkestan is accessible via several routes. The nearest international airport is Shymkent International Airport, approximately 160 kilometers away. From Shymkent, you can take a taxi, a shared minibus (marshrutka), or a train to Turkestan. The journey by road typically takes around 2 to 3 hours. Alternatively, there are direct train services from major Kazakh cities like Almaty and Nur-Sultan, which offer a scenic route through the Kazakh steppe.

Turkestan is a relatively small city, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. Local taxis are readily available and inexpensive, making them a convenient option for getting around the city. Public buses and marshrutkas operate within Turkestan and connect with nearby areas. Renting a car is also an option, especially if you plan to explore the surrounding regions at your own pace.

The official currency in Kazakhstan is the Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT). Credit cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are available throughout Turkestan, but it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash beforehand if you plan to venture into more remote areas.

Turkestan is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is always advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While Turkestan does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings is recommended.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Turkestan. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your head when entering mosques and other religious sites. 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 Turkestan like a local, visit the local bazaars where you can buy 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 visiting the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For a unique experience, attend a traditional Kazakh music performance or try horseback riding in the surrounding steppe.