Turkestan (Kazakh: Түркістан, Uzbek: Turkiston, Russian: Туркестан/Turkestan) is a city on the southern part of Kazakhstan. It is located 160 km (99 mi) to the northwest of provincial capital Shymkent.


Mausoleum of Ahmad Yasavi in Turkestan, Kazakhstan
Source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Turkestan.jpg
Author: Michael Hancock
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Turkestan was established in the 4th century and has existed under different rulers down the centuries. It was known by various names including Yasi and Shavgar, but has been known as Turkistan or Hazrat since the 16th century.

Turkestan was the home to the 11th century Sufi Muslim saint Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, whose mausoleum today makes it a major Muslim pilgrimage site. It is often called the Second Mecca of the East, and that three pilgrimages to Turkistan is equivalent to a hajj to Mecca. The Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi has been recognized since 2003 as a World Heritage Site.

Sights & Attractions to visit in Turkestan

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