Turkistan From Ancient Times To The Kazakh Khanate

Day 1: Turkistan Visitor Centre, Түркістан, Kazakhstan

1. The Hilvet underground mosque and the Gar cell are unique historical and architectural monuments dating back to the 12th century. These structures were built around the cell where Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, the renowned Islamic scholar and Sufi sheikh, spent his final days. Yasawi vowed to retire here, living underground for 63 years and severing all connections with the outside world, in homage to the Prophet Muhammad, who passed away at the age of 63. 2. The eastern bathhouse, dating to the 16th century, was constructed in the 1580s to accommodate the many pilgrims visiting the area. In the Islamic world, the hamam holds a special significance in the life of every Muslim. It is not merely a place for bathing or ablution; it represents a philosophy of life. The bath served not only for healing various ailments but also as a space for relaxing and engaging in pleasant conversations with friends. Of course, it also provided the essential ritual ablution, which is a fundamental practice in Islam. 3. The Azret Sultan Mausoleum (or Khanaka), built between 1389 and 1405, stands as one of the most magnificent architectural landmarks of Turkestan, commissioned by the great commander Timur. This structure is not only a religious monument but also a symbol of Timur's political power. It was constructed in honor of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, one of the greatest Islamic scholars and Sufi sheikhs, who founded the Yassaviya Sufi order. His profound influence on the spiritual life of Central Asia and the entire Turkic world is immeasurable. The Yassaviya order played a crucial role in spreading Islam across these regions and shaping the spiritual traditions of the Turkic peoples. 3. The Mausoleum of Rabiyya Sultan Begim, dating back to the 15th century, is an architectural masterpiece dedicated to Rabiyya Sultan Begim, the wife of Abulkhair, the first khan of the Younger Zhuz, and the granddaughter of Amir Timur and daughter of the renowned astronomer Ulugbek. 4. The Ethnographic Center, located within the open-air museum, offers visitors the opportunity to explore and learn about the traditional life of the Kazakh people. 5. Modern Turkistan. Recognized as the center of the Turkic world, modern Turkistan boasts museums, libraries, contemporary hotels, and the Karavan Saray complex, often referred to as an "eastern Disneyland." Visitors can enjoy gondola rides and watch a spectacular water show (not included in the tour, free of charge from March to October, every evening at 9:00 PM).