Zhetysu Region: Kazakhstan's Hidden Gem

• HelloСәлем
  [Salem]
• GoodbyeҚош келдіңіз
  [Qoş keldiniz]
• YesИя
  [Iya]
• NoЖоқ
  [Joq]
• Please/You're welcomeӨтінемін
  [Ötinemin]
• Thank youРахмет сізге
  [Rahmet sizge]
• Excuse me/SorryКешіріңіз
  [Keşiriñiz]
• How are you?Қалайсыз?
  [Qalaisız?]
• Fine. And you?Жақсы. Сізден қалай?
  [Jaqsı. Sizden qalai?]
• Do you speak English?Сіз ағылшынша сөйлейсіз пе?
  [Siz ağılşınşa söyleisiz pe?]
• I don't understandМен түсінбедім
  [Men tüsinbedim]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseМенюді көрсем келеді ма?
  [Menyudı körsem keledi ma?]
• I don't eat meatМен қасым тамақ ішпеймін
  [Men qasım tamaq işpeymin]
• Cheers!Қуаныштымыз!
  [Quanyştymyz!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseТөлеуге болады ма?
  [Töleuge bolady ma?]

• Help!Қолыңыздамаңыз!
  [Qolıñyzdamañyz!]
• Go away!Жұмысырмайсыз!
  [Jumısırmaısız!]
• Call the Police!Полицияға қоңырау шақырыңыз!
  [Politsiyağa qoñırau şaqıryñız!]
• Call a doctor!Дәрігерге қоңырау шақырыңыз!
  [Därıgerge qoñırau şaqıryñız!]
• I'm lostМен алыстанып жатамын
  [Men alıstanyb jatamın]
• I'm illМен ауырмын
  [Men awırmin]

• I'd like to buy...Мен сатып алғым келеді...
  [Men satıp alğım keledi...]
• I'm just lookingМен тек көріп жатамын
  [Men tek körip jatamın]
• How much is it?Ол қанша бе?
  [Ol qanşa be?]
• That's too expensiveОл тым де арзан
  [Ol tım de arzan]
• Can you lower the price?Бағаны төмендете аласыз пе?
  [Bağanı tömendete alasız pe?]

• What time is it?Қанша уақыт?
  [Qanşa waqıt?]
• It's one o'clockБірде
  [Birde]
• Half past (10)Он бірде жарым
  [On birde jarım]
• MorningТаң
  [Tañ]
• AfternoonКеш
  [Keş]
• EveningКешкі
  [Keşki]
• 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?Мекенжай неге?
  [Mekenjay nege?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Меніңге көрсетуіңіз болар ма?
  [Meniñge körsetuiñiz bolar ma?]
• When's the next (bus)?Келесі қашан?
  [Kelesi qaşan?]
• A ticket (to ....)Билет (....ға)
  [Bilet (....ğa)]

Zhetysu, also known as the 'Land of Seven Rivers,' was a critical hub on the ancient Silk Road. This region served as a major trade route linking the East and the West, facilitating the exchange of goods, culture, and ideas. Merchants traveling through Zhetysu brought with them silk, spices, precious metals, and other valuable commodities, leaving behind a rich tapestry of cultural and historical artifacts.

The Zhetysu region was once inhabited by the Saka people, a nomadic group known for their horsemanship and warrior skills. The Saka left behind numerous kurgans or burial mounds, which have provided valuable insights into their way of life. Artifacts such as golden jewelry, weapons, and horse harnesses discovered in these kurgans highlight their craftsmanship and the high status of their leaders.

In the 6th century, the Zhetysu region became part of the Turkic Khaganate, a vast empire that stretched from Mongolia to the Black Sea. The Turks brought significant cultural and political changes to the region, establishing it as a key center of their empire. The influence of the Turkic Khaganate is still evident in the local culture, language, and traditions.

The 13th century saw the arrival of the Mongol hordes led by Genghis Khan. The Mongol invasion had a profound impact on Zhetysu, leading to the destruction of many cities and settlements. However, it also led to the eventual integration of the region into the vast Mongol Empire, which facilitated further cultural exchanges and the spread of ideas.

In the 15th century, the Kazakh Khanate was established in the Zhetysu region, marking a new era in the region's history. The Khanate played a crucial role in unifying the Kazakh tribes and defending the territory against external threats. This period saw the development of Kazakh identity, culture, and traditions that continue to influence the region today.

In the 19th century, Zhetysu became part of the Russian Empire, which brought about significant changes in the region's administrative and social structure. The construction of railways and the influx of Russian settlers during this period led to economic development but also resulted in cultural shifts. During the Soviet era, Zhetysu underwent further transformation with the establishment of collective farms and industrialization, leaving a lasting impact on its landscape and society.

Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, Kazakhstan gained independence, and Zhetysu became part of the newly-formed Republic of Kazakhstan. The region has since experienced a resurgence in cultural pride and economic development. Efforts have been made to preserve and promote the rich history and heritage of Zhetysu, making it a fascinating destination for travelers interested in exploring Kazakhstan's past and present.

The Zhetysu Region is accessible via Almaty International Airport, which is the nearest major airport. From the airport, you can take a domestic flight to Taldykorgan, the administrative center of the region. Alternatively, you can take a bus or hire a private taxi from Almaty to Taldykorgan, which takes approximately 4-5 hours by road. Train services are also available, offering a scenic and comfortable journey through Kazakhstan's diverse landscapes.

Within the Zhetysu Region, transportation options include local buses, minibuses (marshrutkas), and taxis. Public transport is affordable and connects major towns and attractions. For more flexibility, consider renting a car, which allows you to explore remote areas at your own pace. Bicycles are also a popular option for short distances, especially in more rural areas.

The official currency in Kazakhstan is the Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT). Credit cards are widely accepted in larger towns like Taldykorgan, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially when traveling to rural areas. ATMs are available in major towns, but it's wise to withdraw sufficient cash before venturing into more remote parts of the region.

Zhetysu Region is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should always be taken. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it's always prudent to stay aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The local police and medical facilities in Taldykorgan are equipped to deal with emergencies. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available in towns, where you can purchase over-the-counter medications for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or rural areas. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting mosques, dress conservatively and remove your shoes before entering. Public Transport: Do be respectful and offer 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 the Zhetysu Region like a local, visit local bazaars and markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Kazakh goods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the region's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Altyn-Emel National Park for its stunning landscapes and wildlife, and the historic Tamgaly-Tas petroglyphs for a glimpse into ancient Kazakh history. For a unique experience, consider staying in a yurt camp to immerse yourself in the nomadic lifestyle.