Turkistan, a region in southern Kazakhstan, has become a focal point for travelers exploring its breathtaking landscapes and deep historical roots. The journey begins at Sairam-Ugam National Park, located at the foot of the Western Tian Shan mountains, where visitors can experience the beauty of alpine meadows and crystal-clear rivers.
A Mountain Escape in Southern Kazakhstan
The dramatic elevation change as one ascends into the mountains brings a refreshing coolness, contrasting sharply with the heat of southern Kazakhstan. Local rangers report that some streams within the park offer drinkable water, making it a popular destination for climbers, hikers, and campers from both Kazakhstan and abroad. For German traveler Fenja Schreiber and American tourist Kaleb Shumway, camping by the first lake provided unforgettable memories. "We didn't make it up to the second lake, but we camped by the first lake for two nights. It was amazing," Shumway recalls, while Schreiber highlights the joy of witnessing a group of about ۳۰ goats in the morning.
بیشتر بخوانید: هنرمندان با موسیقی، رقص و عروسکها در بوگوتا به کاهش بودجه فرهنگی اعتراض کردند
The park's biodiversity is impressive, yet visitors are urged to tread lightly. Rangers emphasize the importance of maintaining a quiet environment to protect rare wildlife, including snow leopards and Tian Shan brown bears. "Many people come here hoping to see these animals, and it's not unusual for wildlife to come quite close to visitors," explains park ranger Daniyar Otegenov.
As tourism in the park flourishes, with over ۷۱,۰۰۰ visitors recorded this year, infrastructure is expanding to accommodate the growing number of tourists. Plans for a new visitor center set to open in ۲۰۲۷ aim to enhance accessibility further, providing a range of accommodations from capsule cabins to hotels.
Walking Through a Silk Road Metropolis
Departing from the mountains, the journey leads to Otrar, a historical city that once thrived along the Silk Road. Though now mostly a relic of wind and sand, the ۲۰۰-hectare archaeological site allows visitors to trace the outlines of its storied past. The citadel at the heart of Otrar served as a fortified center for its wealthiest residents. Reconstructed homes reveal insights into the daily lives of those who lived there centuries ago. Tour guide Ismail Omaraliyev explains, "During the winter, the underfloor heating served several purposes. People baked bread and cooked food here, and in the evenings, they would rest and sleep on the warm floors."
The public bathhouse, mosque, and palace of Berdibek Khan stand as remnants of Otrar's bustling trading history, where caravans frequently arrived with hundreds of camels. Omaraliyev notes, "At least two caravans arrived every day, each with around a hundred camels. On average, between ۴۰۰ and ۵۰۰ people spent the night in the city every day." Despite its historical significance, much of Otrar's story remains buried, with ongoing archaeological efforts led by Mukhtar Kozha from Akhmet Yassawi University aimed at uncovering the city's past.
Recent excavations have revealed the oldest mosque in Otrar, dating back to the late ۱۳th and early ۱۴th centuries, which later transformed into a burial ground and then a pottery workshop. Kozha highlights the logistical challenges of transporting massive stone blocks to Otrar, indicating a sophisticated urban culture and engineering prowess.
Arystan Bab Mausoleum, located just ۱۵ minutes from Otrar, is a key pilgrimage site believed to be associated with Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a prominent figure in the region's spiritual heritage. The current structure is the fourth version of the original mausoleum, housing two original columns from the ۱۴th century.
As cultural tourism gains momentum, the Turkistan Region is drawing increasing numbers of visitors eager to explore its natural beauty, rich Silk Road history, and spiritual significance. According to Kazakhstan's Bureau of National Statistics, the region accounted for ۱۰% of domestic trips in ۲۰۲۵, solidifying its status as one of the country's top five tourist destinations.
بیشتر بخوانید: ایووروینگز مسابقهای برای نامگذاری یک هواپیما به نام افراد خاص راهاندازی کرد · کازاخستان به عنوان مرکز تجاری منطقهای: فرصتی برای اروپا
