my town turkestan essay

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Turkestan city, Kazakhstan (Turkistan)

The capital city of South Kazakhstan oblast .

Turkestan overview

Turkestan (also spelled Turkistan , former Hazrat-e Turkestan) is the capital of the Turkistan region of Kazakhstan.

Turkestan played an important role in Kazakhstan history and is a sacred town for significant part of Kazakh people. Turkestan is located about 160 km northwest of Taraz city.

Turkestan population is about 164,000 (2018).

The phone code is +7 72533; postal code - 457010.

Turkestan city coat of arms

Turkestan city map, Kazakhstan

Turkestan city latest news and posts from our blog:.

13 February, 2015 / The Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi in Turkestan .

16 May, 2014 / The Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi .

28 October, 2013 / Nomads - Eternal Wanderers .

25 April, 2011 / Khodzha Akhmed Yasavi Mausoleum .

Turkestan facts

In 10th century it was Shavgar (Shavagar), from 12th century - Yasy (Yassy). Medieval Yasy was a town-fortress. In 12th century poet Khodzha Akhmed Yasavi lived there and was buried there too. In its size Khodzha Akhmed Yasavi Mausoleum is equal to mosque Bibi-Khanum in Samarkand (Uzbekistan). Middle Asian ruler Timur began constructing a mosque close to Yasavi Mausoleum in 1396-1398.

Turkestan is a large industrial, educational and cultural center as well as a center of inner and foreign tourism.

It is a railway station on Orenburg - Tashkent line. Light and food industries are developed. In the city there is one of the largest Universities in Central Asia - International Kazakh-Turkish University named after Khodzha Akhmed Yasavi.

There are 13 plants in Turkestan city, the largest of them are as follows: a cotton-processing plant, a machine-building plant, sewing and knitted wear plant, antibiotics plant, joint Kazakh-English plant producing dressings.

Turkestan views

Turkestan city, Kazakhstan street

Author: Mathias B.

Turkestan city view

Author: Leon Peute

Turkistan city, Kazakhstan view

Turkestan features

Turkestan was an important trade center of the past known from 4th century. The full ancient name of the city was “Hazrat-e Turkestan” meaning “Saint of Turkestan”. Turkestan city was the most important learning center for Kazakh steppes people. In 1390 one of the most important architectural monuments of Kazakhstan was built. It is the tomb (mausoleum) over ancient leader Timur grave.

Turkestan city is attracting thousands of pilgrims every year. Turkestan city is also known as the Second Mecca of the East. It is extremely important for Kazakhstan Muslims.

Also there are other historical sites in Turkestan city: ancient bath house, Timur’s granddaughter mausoleum, three mausoleums of Kazakh khans (leaders).

You can go to Turkestan city by trains from Almaty city (about 20 hours). Another way is to make a road trip from nearby Shymkent city airport (about 2 hours).

June 19, 2018, by decree of the President of Kazakhstan, the South Kazakhstan region was renamed to Turkistan, and its administrative center was moved from Shymkent to Turkistan. Shymkent was removed from the South Kazakhstan region and received the status of a city of republican significance (a separate administrative unit, equal to the region).

Turkestan city of Kazakhstan photos

Turkestan sceneries.

Turkestan city, Kazakhstan scenery

Turkestan city scenery

Turkistan city scenery

Turkestan architecture

Turkistan city, Kazakhstan scenery

Turkestan city monument

Turkestan city mausoleum

Turkestan hotel

Turkistan city hotel view

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Turkestan – ancient city traversing rich history

By Assel Satubaldina in Tourism on 16 August 2018

ASTANA – Turkestan, an ancient city in southern Kazakhstan near the Syr Darya River, boasts more than 1,500 years of rich history and numerous cultural and sacred sites preserved to this day.

Photo credit: otyrar.kz.

Located approximately 862 kilometres from Almaty and 168 kilometres from Shymkent, Turkestan is a great destination to immerse in the authentic and vibrant culture of medieval Central Asia with beautiful architectural complexes, noisy bazaars and vast steppes.

The northern part of the Silk Road once passed through Turkestan and the other ancient cities of the area such as Otyrar, Sairam, Sauran and Syganak. Linking east and west, they were major centres of trade, culture and knowledge.

In the 16th century, Kazakh khans (rulers) chose Turkestan as the capital of the Kazakh Khanate, leveraging on the city’s significant symbolic meaning in the region.

Officials recently reported more than one million people visited the city last year, many travelling to sacred places spanning the entire southern part of Kazakhstan.

For many tourists, their trip to Turkestan starts at the mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yassawi dating to the 15th and 16th centuries. Built in the late 14th century by a decree of Timur (Tamerlane), once a powerful ruler of Central Asia, the mausoleum is considered a masterpiece of medieval architecture. Prominent Kazakh leaders such as Abulkhair Khan, Abylai Khan and Yessim Khan, as well as Kazakh judge Kazbek-bi, one the three key judges of the Kazakh Khanate, are buried inside the mausoleum.

Khoja Ahmed Yassawi mausoleum. Photo credit: wikipedia.org.

The architectural complex is revered among Muslim pilgrims throughout Central Asia, as many seek to commemorate Yassawi, an influential Turkic Muslim religious scholar and mystic who founded the Yassawiya order of Sufis.

Timur died before the mausoleum was completed and it has remained in its original state. In 2004, it was included on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) world cultural heritage list. An ancient mosque, library and canteen are situated close to the complex.

Capital resident Meiramgul Beisenova believes the mausoleum is a “pearl of Turkestan.” She travelled to the city several years ago, noting it embraced both Kazakh and Uzbek motifs due to its proximity to the border.

Arystan Bab mausoleum, devoted to Yassawi’s teacher, is also worth a visit. Many pilgrims believe the stop there should be made before visiting Yassawi’s mausoleum as a tribute to the scholar’s tutor.

Arystan Bab Mausoleum. Photo credit silkadv.com.

Aisha Bibi mausoleum, dating to the 12th century, is also a popular destination among tourists, including pilgrims. She was the daughter of Muslim saint Zengi Baba and Anvar Begim and as many as 28 versions circulate of the legend surrounding her life. The most popular one tells a tragic love story of young Karakhan Muhammad, ruler of the ancient city of Taraz, who fell in love with her.

After her father prohibited her from meeting the young man, Aisha and her babysitter Babaji Khatun, whose mausoleum is close to Aisha Bibi mausoleum, escaped the house at night. On their way to Taraz, a reptile killed the girl on the shore of the Asa River. Mourning his beloved one, Muhammad buried her on the hill and gathered masters to build a mausoleum on her grave.

The mausoleum represents a beautiful complex, as it is decorated with unique carved terracotta tiles that, unlike other ancient buildings, were not glued to the bricks.

Aisha Bibi mausoleum. Photo credit e-history.kz.

The tomb of Gaukhar Ana, Yassawi’s daughter, is also considered a sacred place and one of the oldest monuments in Turkestan dating to the 12th-14th centuries. Legends say she was a healer and as she was unable to have children, became mother to all she treated. Her name means Mother Gaukhar.

The original grave was destroyed and a new building for pilgrims constructed in 1990.

The Turkestan railway station is also part of Kazakh history. It was built in 1903 during construction of the southern branch of a famous Orenburg-Tashkent Railroad.

Those willing to visit Turkestan and the southern part of the country should be aware of high summer temperatures. Visits are recommended in spring or fall.

In June, President Nursultan Nazarbayev signed a decree making Turkestan the regional centre of the newly renamed Turkestan Region (previously, South Kazakhstan), and designating Shymkent, a city of one million people and long-time regional centre, the city of national significance, on a par with Astana and Almaty.

Getting there

Travelling by air will be the fastest and probably most comfortable option. The nearest airport is in Shymkent, where flights are operated frequently from other Kazakh regions and big cities, including Almaty and the capital. Taxis, busses and trains depart hourly to Turkestan.

The train is a cheaper option, but the ride is longer. The journey from Astana to Turkestan takes approximately 27 hours. The bus between the cities, though less comfortable, is another option.

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How to visit Turkistan Kazakhstan’s spiritual and historical center

Complete travel guide on how to visit Turkistan Kazakhstan, including a comprehensive list of the best things to do and places to visit in Kazakhstan’s spiritual and historical center.

The ancient Silk Road city of Turkistan – also often written as Turkestan-, once the spiritual capital of the Turkic world, is located in the South of Kazakhstan .

The city was founded over 15 centuries ago and is now a living museum preserving the echoes of its past amidst the bustling rhythms of modern life. As the cultural and spiritual capital of Kazakhstan, it holds a profound place in the nation’s heritage, seamlessly blending the old with the new.

I visited the city for the first time in 2017. It was a welcome change after almost one week of driving through the endless and featureless steppes of Western Kazakhstan .

Once known as Shavgar, Turkistan was one of the most important commercial centers of the Silk Road, the trade route between Europe and China. It was also the capital of the Kazakh khanate (an area ruled by a Khan) where the ceremonies of enthronement took place.

Turkistan is nowadays a large industrial, educational and cultural city. It didn’t look so different from the other cities we had seen so far in Kazakhstan, except that it had a lot more trees and character and there were a lot more local and foreign tourists wandering its streets.

The ancient site of Turkestan lies on the edge of the city. Once we arrived there, it was hard not to notice the dazzling turquoise dome of the mausoleum.

Visiting Turkistan will give you a good sense of what the glory days of the Silk road in Kazakhstan were like as its home to some of the most stunning buildings. It’s like a tinier version of Uzbekistan , all concentrated into one area.

Here’s the complete travel guide to Turkistan and how to visit this city as a day trip from Shymkent.

Tip: See my  Kazakhstan Travel Page  for a complete overview of all my travel guides and blog posts about Kazakhstan!

The Complete K a z a k h s t a n Travel Guide: 18 things you should know before you go

Disclaimer: This posts might contain affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn an affiliate commission. Thank you for helping to support this website!

Plan your trip to Shymkent

Where to stay.

• Best budget pick: Art House Sweet Home
• Best guesthouse choice: Aidana Plaza Hotel
• Top high-end hotel: Rixos Khadisha Hotel

Top experiences in and near Shymkent

• Highlights of Shymkent Walking Tour
• Silk Road Tour of Kazakhstan
• Hiking in Sayram Ugam National Park

Plan your trip to Kazakhstan

• 18 useful things you should know to visit Kazakhstan
• Visa services for Kazakhstan
• Itinerary Planning for Kazakhstan
• Travel insurance for Kazakhzstan
• Rent a car in Kazakhstan or  travel by train

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A little bit of history about turkistan Kazakhstan

Turkistan holds a significant place in the history of Central Asia. Its origins date back to the 4th century when it was known as Shavgar, a prominent trade center on the Silk Road. Over centuries, it evolved into a major cultural and spiritual hub.

In the 11th century, the city became associated with the revered Sufi scholar and poet Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, whose teachings and followers significantly influenced the region’s Islamic culture. His mausoleum, constructed under the patronage of Timur (Tamerlane) in the 14th century, remains a landmark of Turkistan, symbolizing its historical and spiritual importance.

In the 19th century, Turkistan came under the control of the Russian Empire, marking a new chapter in its history. The Russian influence brought about infrastructural developments and a reconfiguration of the city’s administrative importance within the empire’s vast territories.

However, despite these changes, Turkistan maintained its cultural and spiritual identity. The city continued to be a center of Islamic scholarship and a testament to the enduring legacy of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi’s influence on the cultural and religious landscape of Central Asia.

Following Kazakhstan’s independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Turkistan has experienced a revival as a historical and cultural center. Recognizing its rich heritage, the Kazakh government has invested in the preservation and promotion of Turkistan’s historical sites.

In 2018, Turkistan was designated the capital of the newly formed Turkestan Region, further cementing its role as a key city in Kazakhstan. Today, Turkistan is a vibrant blend of ancient traditions and modern developments, continuing to attract pilgrims, historians, and tourists alike, eager to explore its storied past and its significance in the wider narrative of Central Asia.

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When to visit Turkistan

The best time to visit Turkistan, Kazakhstan, is during the spring and autumn months.

From April to June, the weather is mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging between 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). This period is ideal for exploring the city’s historical sites and enjoying outdoor activities without the discomfort of extreme temperatures. The landscape also comes alive with blooming flowers and greenery, providing a beautiful backdrop for sightseeing.

Autumn, from September to October, offers similarly favorable conditions, with temperatures cooling down from the summer heat, making it perfect for walking tours and cultural excursions.

Summer in Turkistan, from June to August, can be quite hot, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F), which might be challenging for some visitors. Winter months, from November to March, can be cold, with temperatures sometimes dropping below freezing.

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Turkistan Entrance fees and opening hours

You can walk around Turkistan’s historical sites for free but you have to pay an entrance fee if you want to go inside Yassawi’s mausoleum. Locals pay 200 KZT, foreigners 500 KZT . The entrance fee to the Historical Cultural Etnographic Center is also 500 KZT.

The complex is open daily from 9am until 6pm.

How much time do I need to visit Turkistan

You need 3 to 5 hours to see all the tourist attractions in Turkistan. That’s why I recommend visiting Turkistan as a day trip from Shymkent.

How to get to Turkistan from Shymkent

Getting to Turkistan from Shymkent is quite straightforward, as the two cities are well-connected by road and rail. Here are the main options:

How to get to Turkistan by car

You can r ent a car in Shymkent or get a (shared) taxi. The distance is approximately 160 kilometers, and the journey typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

How to get to Turkistan by bus

There are daily mashrutkas (minibuses) operating between Shymkent and Turkistan. They depart from Samal Bus Station , Shymkent’s main bus station and offer an affordable and comfortable way to travel. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and costs 1500 KZT per person. Make sure you tell the driver to drop you off at the mausoleum once it comes into sight.

To get back from Turkistan to Shymkent, get to the  Merey Bus Station  to take the mashrutka going to Shymkent. It should cost you no more than 1200 KZT and takes about 1.5 hours to get back to Shymkent.

How to get to Turkistan by train

Kazakhstan’s national railway company operates regular trains on this route. The train ride between Shymkent and Turkistan takes about 2 to 3 hours, offering a scenic and relaxing way to travel. Tickets can be purchased online via the KTZ website or at the train station in Shymkent. You can take minibus 2, 10 or 13 to go from the train station to the city center or the mausoleum. Price: 50 KZT.

There are also overnight trains between Almaty (20 hours) and Turkistan. There’s also an international train connection to Tashkent , the capital city of Uzbekistan, but for this you’ll need an Uzbekistan visa! For more information about train schedules and tickets, go to tickets.kz

How to travel by train in Kazakhstan

Where to stay in turkistan and Shymkent

I recommend to visit Turkistan as a day trip from Shymkent. However, I’ll also share my recommendations if you’d like to spend the night in Turkistan.

Where to stay in Shymkent

There are many lodging options in Shymkent that can be used as a great base to visit nearby places, varying from budget hostels to high-end hotels.

• Best budget option: Art House Sweet Home
• Top mid-range choice: Aidana Plaza Hotel
• Recommend high-end hotel: Rixos Khadisha Hotel

Where to stay in Turkistan

• Best budget option: Turkistan Gallery Hostel
• Top mid-range choice: Karavansaray Turkistan Hotel
• Recommend high-end hotel: Hampton by Hilton Turkistan

What to see and do in Turkistan

1. mausoleum of khoja ahmed yasawi.

This UNESCO World Heritage site is Turkistan’s most iconic landmark. This mausoleum is described as a masterpiece of medieval architecture. It was built between 1397 and 1405 on the orders of Amir Timur, who ruled over Central Asia. That’s why this mausoleum resembles his other creations in Uzbekistan, also known as “Timurid architecture” .

The mausoleum houses a museum that provides insights into the life and teachings of the revered Sufi mystic, Khoja Ahmed Yasawi. Over the centuries, it has drawn countless pilgrims, making Turkistan a focal point for Sufi Islam in the region. The city’s religious significance earned it the moniker “the Second Mecca of the East.”

Yasawi played a very important role in the Islamic world as he was a religious teacher who converted many Turkic people with his teachings and poems to the Islamic religion. He was considered to be a saint and Muslim pilgrims came from far and wide to see his mausoleum.

When Timur started the new construction of this mausoleum, it quickly became the new standard for Islamic architecture and it attracted even more devout followers. However, the construction was stopped in 1405 with the death of Timur but Turkistan remained an important religious center of spirituality.

Although the mausoleum is unfinished, it is still an amazing piece of architectural artwork! There are a total of 34 different rooms and chambers inside with a massive bronze cauldron in the center of the hall, used for religious purposes.

The dome on the top of the mausoleum is the largest of its kind in Central Asia. I was especially fascinated by the astoundingly beautiful mosaic patterns on the outside of the building. The mausoleum was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003.

The mausoleum isn’t the only building you can visit on the ancient site of Turkestan.

2. Hilvet Underground Mosque

Surrounding the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi are other significant structures such as the Hilvet Underground Mosque and an old bathhouse with a well nearby that has religious importance to the people.

The Hilvet Mosque, an underground prayer hall, offers a unique glimpse into early Islamic practices and architecture in the region. It is said that Kozha Ahmed Yassawi spent the last years of his life in this mosque and it’s now used as a house for underground meditation.

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3. Mausoleum of Rabia sultan Begum

Located right next to the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, you will find the Mausoleum of Rabia Sultan Begum, which is a much smaller mausoleum but still impressive to see.

This mausoleum is dedicated to Rabia Sultan Begum, who was a prominent figure in the region’s history. She was the wife of Abdulatif Sultan and the mother of Sultan Abdulatif, both of whom were influential leaders in Central Asia during the 15th century.

Constructed in the 16th century, the structure exhibits the classic elements of Timurid architecture, characterized by intricate tile work, harmonious proportions, and a blend of Persian and Central Asian styles.

The exterior of the mausoleum is adorned with beautiful blue and turquoise tiles, featuring geometric patterns and floral motifs that reflect the sophisticated craftsmanship of the time. The entrance is marked by an iwan, a traditional vaulted hall, leading to the interior where the tomb of Rabia Sultan Begum is located. Inside, the mausoleum is decorated with elaborate frescoes and mosaics, creating a serene and contemplative space.

4. Friday Mosque

The Friday Mosque, also known as the Juma Mosque, was constructed in the 19th century and exemplifies the rich Islamic architectural heritage of the region.

The mosque’s architecture is characteristic of traditional Central Asian styles, featuring a simple yet elegant design that focuses on functionality and communal worship. The building is constructed primarily from brick and wood, with large, open spaces to accommodate the congregational prayers held every Friday, which is the holy day in Islam. The interior is modestly adorned, with intricate woodwork and traditional geometric patterns that are common in Islamic art.

The Friday Mosque serves as the main gathering place for weekly Friday prayers (Jumu’ah), where the local Muslim population comes together to worship and listen to sermons.

5. Turkistan Historical and Cultural Ethnographic Center

This center offers a comprehensive look at the region’s history, culture, and traditions. There are 3 floors of exhibitions that include artifacts from various historical periods, traditional costumes, and displays that highlight the rich cultural heritage of Turkistan and the surrounding area.

6. Karavan Saray

Opened in 2021, the Karavan Saray is a modern cultural and entertainment complex designed to evoke the historical essence of the Silk Road caravanserais, which were roadside inns where travelers and traders could rest and recover during their long journeys.

The Karavan Saray is inspired by the design of ancient caravanserais, featuring elements such as large courtyards, arched entrances, and intricate tile work that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the Silk Road. The complex is designed to provide a sense of stepping back in time while offering modern comforts and facilities. Visitors can explore its various sections, each thoughtfully crafted to recreate the atmosphere of historic trade and travel hubs.

The Karavan Saray serves multiple functions, including accommodations, dining, shopping, and entertainment. It houses luxurious hotels, themed restaurants, and shops selling traditional crafts and souvenirs. The complex also features performance spaces where traditional music, dance, and cultural shows are regularly staged, offering a vibrant glimpse into the region’s artistic traditions.

In addition to its cultural and commercial offerings, the Karavan Saray includes educational exhibits and interactive displays that provide insights into the history and significance of the Silk Road. These exhibits explore the trade routes that connected East and West, the goods that were exchanged, and the cultural interactions that shaped the civilizations along these routes.

Turkestan is definitely a place worth visiting if you plan on traveling to Kazakhstan. It’s one of the must-go-to places if you want to learn more about Central Asia’s rich heritage.

 I’m always happy to hear about your experiences! If you have any updates or suggestions that should be included in this guide,please let me know in the comments below or  contact me !

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Turkestan , city, southern Kazakhstan . It lies in the Syr Darya (ancient Jaxartes River) plain.

Turkestan was an ancient centre of the caravan trade; it was known as Shavgar and later as Yasī. It became a religious centre called Khazret (Hazrat) because of the 12th-century Sufi (Muslim mystic) Ahmed Yesevi , whose 14th-century mausoleum is the city’s chief monument; a notable example of Timurid architecture, the structure was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2003. Turkestan was captured by the Russians in 1864. It now has several industries. Pop. (2009) 142,899; (2012 est.) 150,595.

How to Visit Turkestan, Kazakhstan: a silk road jewel

This post is a travel guide about the best things to do in Turkestan, Kazakhstan. Turkestan is one of the most important historic cities in central Asia. Even though there are a lot of archeological remains throughout the country, none are so well preserved as the ones in Turkestan Kazakhstan.

Turkestan is home to the mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This architectural masterpiece dates back to the 14th century and is an excellent example of Central Asian Islamic art and culture.

Turkestan will give you a good sense of what the glory days of the Silk road in Kazakhstan were like. Furthermore, Turkestan is still an important place of worship for local people.

Despite the current struggles in tourism, Kazakhstan itself, pronounced Turkestan among the top 10 tourist destinations in the country in 2021.

History of Turkestan in Kazakhstan.

Turkestan’s history goes a long way back. The first people settled here around the 4th century. The small town of Yasi gained it’s importance in the 11th century when it developed into a centre for spirituality and Islamic philosophy under Sufi saint Khoja Ahmed Yasaui.

Along with its religious significance, Turkestan also became an important trading centre on the ancient Silk road and a crossroad influenced by the Kazakh steppes in the north and Persian cultures in the South.

Turkestan had a strong link with the nomadic people of Kazakhstan. In the 16th century Turkestan became the political centre of the Kazakh steppes when it was the capital of the Kazakh Khanate untill the Russians took over. Eventually Turkestan became part of the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic.

Nowadays it is a long journey from the current capital Nur-sultan or Almaty , but travelling to Turkestan is definetly worth it. Furthermore it is an easy day trip from Shymkent .

This travel guide about Turkestan in Kazakhstan will help you in planning your trip.

Things to do in Turkestan Kazakhstan

1. turkestan yasaui mausoleum.

The Khoja Ahmed Yasaui mausoleum is the main reason most tourists and local people travel to Turkestan in Kazakhstan. And for good reasons. The Mausoleum with its intricate blue tiled mosaic patterns is beautiful. It gives you a glimpse of what to expect in other central Asian Silk road cities like Khiva , Bukhara , Samarkand , Shiraz and Isfahan .

Khoja Ahmed Yasawi was born in 1093 in Sayram, a city near Shymkent. He became a prominent Sufi mystic and scholar, spreading his teachings and spiritual wisdom across the region. He was a disciple of the famous Sufi teacher Yusuf Hamdani.

After Khoja Ahmed Yasawi’s death in 1166, his tomb became a popular pilgrimage site for sufi muslims in the area. It was Timur the great, who built the beautiful mausoleum for Khoja Ahmed Yasaui that you will see today. The mausoleum’s construction was halted in 1405 when Timur died, leaving parts of the building unfinished.

The mausoleum’s architecture showcases a blend of Central Asian and Persian influences. It has many similarities with Uzbek and Iranian architecture . After all, Timur also built many of the Islamic buildings in Samarkand . Another important Silk road city in Uzbekistan .

The mausoleum is a UNESCO World Heritage site , because it is one of the largest and best preserved examples of Timurid design and construction in the region.

The mausoleum remains a popular pilgrimage site for muslims from both Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan . Locals say that three visits to Turkestan equals one haj to Mecca.

2. Underground Mosque

In the same complex as the mausoleum you can find the 12th century underground mosque of Turkestan that is still used for prayers by local pilgrims. At the same time it is a museum where you can see the original model of the mosque’s design.

3. The Hammam

Don’t miss the ancient bath house of Turkestan when you visit the mausoleum complex. It has some ancient pots and tools on exhibition.

4. Turkestan’s History museum

Kazakhstan is proud on its history and Turkestan is the oldest man made architectural masterpiece in the country. There is even a free museum displaying all the historical artefacts and the obligatory praises to former president Nazarbayev. Don’t forget this is a site of national importance.

5. Historical Cultural Ethnographic Centre

Next to the mausoleum is the Historical Cultural Ethnographic centre that is more elaborate than the free museum. There are 3 floors of exhibitions about the history and culture of Turkestan Kazakhstan.

entrance fee: 500 tenge

6. Turkestan’s bazaar

Turkestan still has a bazaar, but don’t expect any history here. It is rather small, but a typical central asian bazaar that is similar to the bazaar in Shymkent. That means a few local products and a lot of Chinese stuff.

If it is up to Nazarbayev Kazakhstan will become once again a great nation and trading partner in the world economy. The modern silk road of cheap chinese products, gas and oil.

7. Keruen sarai

In 2021 Keruen sarai opened its doors. This brand new new complex is the largest tourist complex in Central Asia and is part of Kazakhstans project to promote tourism in Turkestan.

It wasn’t there yet when I last visited Turkestan, but it promises things like a theater, cinema, restaurants, hotels and a shopping center.

Things to do near Turkestan Kazakhstan

Sauran was once the biggest city in Kazakhstan on the ancient Silk Road and one of the few that survived the Mongol invasion. Despite all its glory, it was suddenly abandoned for reasons that are still unknown. The ruins today are covered in grass and leave much to the imagination. However, the city walls still stand and if you do make it all the way out here you are likely to be the only person there.

How to get there: Sauran is 40 kilometers north of Turkestan on the road to Kyzyl Orda. The easiest way to get there is by arranging a taxi in Turkestan. Otherwise you can take a bus to Kyzyl Orda and ask the bus driver to drop you off at the side of the road.

Turkestan Travel Tips

Where to sleep in turkestan kazakhstan.

Most people travel to Turkestan on a day trip from Shymkent. However, there are some accomodation options in Turkestan as well. Especially, if you want to fit in a side trip to Sauran it is recommended to sleep in Turkestan.

Edem hotel : The Edem hotel is used by most international tour operators travelling to Turkestan. It is not the cheapest option, but has good facilities and a good restaurant.

If you visit on a day trip from Shymkent I can recommend the following budget hostels in Shymkent

Art House Sweet home : Art House Sweet home lies in a quiet neighbourhood of Shymkent. It is a bit far from the centre, but with easy bus connections and excellent facilities it is still worth staying here. We actually got an upgrade to their apartment during our stay and we can recommend both.

Shymcity Hostel : Shymcity is a very friendly hostel in Shymkent with a friendly Russian owner. It’s a bit difficult to find, because it is in a sidestreet rather than the main street called Tauke Khan. If you walk on Tauke Khan then continue towards Gogol street. Turn left into Gogol street and then take the first unpaved sidestreet to the left. The hostel will be at your ridehand side.

What and Where to eat in Turkestan

Turkestan has some decent restaurants serving Kazakh food like beshbarmak, kuyrdak, shashlik, and baursaks.

Chaykhana Turkestan ( Tauke Khan Ave 233 ): A good restaurant with local Kazakh food. The menu has pictures to help you choose.

Astau ( Ulitsa Amir-Temira ): Astau restaurant is opposite the Khoja Ahmed Yasaui mausoleum and therefore has a convenient location. The food isn’t too bad either.

When to visit

The best time to visit Turkestan, Kazakhstan, is during the spring and autumn months, specifically from April to June and September to October. During these periods, the weather is generally mild, and you can avoid the extreme temperatures of the summer and winter seasons.

Spring is a great time to visit Turkestan Kazakhstan. At the end of march, Kazakhstan celebrates the spring festival of Nowruz. Shymkent has the biggest celebrations in the country with traditional horse games at the Hippodrome. In April and May it might rain, but this is also the time when wild tulips bloom in the nearby Aksu Zhabagly National Park .

Autumn is another ideal time to visit Turkestan. The weather starts to cool down after the summer, and the temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C

Safety in Turkestan

Turkestan is a safe city and if you follow normal precautions it is unlikely you will encounter any problems as a tourist. Theft and robberies do happen, as in most cities, and are especially common at night.

For solo female travellers it is good to know that Turkestan is a bit more conservative than the bigger cities like Shymkent or Almaty. It helps to dress modestly.

How to travel to Turkestan Kazakhstan

By train : Turkestan has a train station so it is possible to travel directly from Nur-sultan (27 hours), Karaganda (23 hours) or Almaty (17 hours). Therefore it is easy to add Turkestan to your Kazakhstan itinerary . In my post on how tyo travel by train you can read more about train travel in Kazakhstan .

From Shymkent: Turkestan is an easy day trip from Shymkent . Shymkent is therefore a great city to base yourself to explore the area. Besides Turkestan there are other historical places like Sayram. Furthermore, this region has the best national parks in Kazakhstan to see wild tulips. Sayram Ugam National Park and Aksu Zhabagly National Park are just around the corner and show Kazakhstan’s nature in its full glory. 

From Samal busstation there are frequent marshrutka’s (minibusses) to Turkestan. The journey from Shymkent to Turkestan takes about 2 hours. Ask the bus driver to drop you at the mausoleum once it comes into sight.

You can find more practical information about traveling in Kazakhstan in my Backpacking Kazakhstan guide .

Sustainable Travel in Turkestan

Turkestan is just opening up to tourism. Traveling sustainably in Turkestan, involves conscious choices that minimize your environmental impact and support the local community.

Stay in small scale sustainable hotels : It is better to stay in locally-owned guesthouses or homestays to support the local economy directly. These accommodations often have a more positive impact on the environment compared to large hotels.

You can also look for guesthouses or homestays that prioritizes sustainable practices. That said, environmental awareness is still low. It’s up to you to use water sparsely, turn off lights, air conditioning, and heating when leaving your accommodation.

Use public transport : It is easy to reach Turkestan with public transport. Opt for public transport, whenever possible, instead of taxis or private cars to reduce carbon emissions. Even better is exploring the city by foot.

Leave no trace principle : When exploring the nearby National Parks, stick to designated trails when they are there and leave no trace of your presence. Ensure you take all your trash back with you and dispose of it responsibly. To avoid single-use plastics, invest in reusable items.

Respect the culture : Besides environmental concerns it is also important to respect the culture. Kazakhstan is an Islamic country that is just opening up to tourism. Therefore, learn about the local customs and traditions beforehand and be mindful of your behavior.

People will appreciate it, if you dress modestly, especially at religious sites. Learning a few basic phrases in Kazakh or Russian, can go a long way in building meaningful connections.

Disclaimer : This Turkestan travel guide about Turkestan Kazakhstan contains affiliate links. If you buy any service through any of my links, I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you. These earnings help me to keep Backpack Adventures alive! Thanks for your support!

2 thoughts on “How to Visit Turkestan, Kazakhstan: a silk road jewel”

What a beautiful location full of rich history. Lovely photos.

I would love to travel the silk Road one day… definitely on my bucket list.

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• Turkmenistan

By Alimana Zhanmukanova

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic raging across the world, Kazakhstan is gambling on a brand-new tourist destination, Turkestan, to boost the holiday appeal of the Central Asian nation. This forgotten city, which has more than 1,500 years of history, has been re-built, re-thought and re-birthed by Kazakhstani officials, putting it back on the world map.

On April 10, the largest multifunctional tourist complex in Central Asia, “Keruen-Saray,” was officially opened in the city of Turkestan. The complex covers 20.5 hectares opposite of 800-year old mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yassawi, built in the ancient Silk Road style, to complement and provide continuity with the preserved archaic site.

Inside is a Silk-Road fantasy: alleys of merchants and artisans from the Silk Road era, a “flying theatre”, an amphitheatre for horse shows, and an oriental bazaar. It also boasts tourist facilities such as shopping malls and boutiques, hotels, restaurants, a spa, fitness centre, cinema and a family entertainment centre, all built according to the same theme.

The structures are connected by a water channel, known among visitors as the  “Kazakh Venice”. This water channel is also a part of the entertainment: tourists can take a ride on boats through the complex and enjoy watching the on-water theatrical show “Parade of boats”.

Although the city of Turkestan was always a popular destination for internal tourism, it was more widely associated with pilgrimage, not entertainment. The city is one of the most ancient settlements within the borders of what is modern Kazakhstan. It is known that in the XII century a poet and a Sufi, who had a powerful influence on the development of Sufi orders, lived and was buried there. Honouring his legacy, Turco-Mongol conqueror Timur, who was the emperor of the city at the time, commissioned the construction of a mausoleum and a mosque.

In the Islamic world, Turkestan became known as a religious centre. It is said that a significant share of the historical part of the city was destroyed during the Kazakh-Dzungar wars. However, some crucial and important religious constructions were preserved throughout the Middle Ages, the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union. After gaining independence, Kazakh officials revived and supported the spread of Islam as a part of the newly formed Kazakh identity. The religious sites of Turkestan became Kazakhstanis’ major pilgrimage destination, as the idea of Islamisation returned after almost 70 years of atheism under Soviet rulers.

Soviet culture’s abstention from religion led to Turkestan remaining neglected and undeveloped for many years. Until 2018, when the plan for reconstruction was first introduced, the city had very poor infrastructure. During the  “Old Turkestan – New Opportunities” forum in 2018, 19 agreements on the implementation of investment projects, worth $1.7 billion, were signed between Turkestan officials and foreign companies.

According to Nursultan Nazarbayev, the first President of Kazakhstan, the investments in reconstruction were a collaborative effort between the government and private investors. As of July 2021, that the project so far has cost 87 billion tenge ($204 million). The city is still being developed: Kazakhstan’s government is planning to invest 1 trillion tenge in total as a part of the tourism industry development concept for 2018-2025 for the Turkestan region.

According to this plan, by the end of 2025, the number of tourists is expected to reach 2.5 million. These developments are expected to increase economic growth in the region, the poorest in Kazakhstan, by 1.5 times by 2025.

While infrastructure remains one of the country’s weakest links, planners have invested in entertainment, travel and accommodation facilities. a new music and drama theatre was established, equipped with modern technology and a capacity of 510. A modern scientific library, “Farab”, was built alongside it, referring to Al-Farabi, an Islamic philosopher, believed to have been born in what is now modern Kazakhstan. The library has reading rooms, co-working centres, photo, video and audio recording studios, calligraphy, pottery, workshops, as well as a cinema and concert hall, coffee shops, book and souvenir stores and handicrafts. A modern international airport was built in Turkestan, with Turkish Airlines expected to operate direct flights to Istanbul. Accommodation is provided by big names including Rixos and Hilton, as well as local luxury Karavansaray Turkistan Hotel. Near them, the government decided to found the Turkestan International University of Tourism and Hospitality to educate and prepare qualified specialists in the field to develop Kazakhstan’s tourist potential.

For now, Turkestan’s appeal to the wider world is untested. It remains to be seen whether, once the COVID-19 travel restrictions for foreigners ease, Kazakhstan’s investment will pay off.

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Places of interest: Khanaka (mausoleum) of the end of the XV century on the tomb of Khodja Akhmet Yassaviy – the famous Sufi tombs of the famous Kazakh khans Esimkhan, Ablay khan, Abulkhair khan and others. Burial ground  of Kazybek bi, one of the creators of the first Kazakh code of laws “Jety Jargy” Railway station (1905) – architectural monument. In 2000 the city celebrated 1500 year anniversary.  In accordance with the event plan 1271,3 million of tenge or more than 10 million of US dollars were used for the capital construction.

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Turkestan is the sacred city of Kazakhstan, a city located on one of the branches of the Great Silk Road.

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A Complete Travel Guide to Turkestan

• Destinations
• Central Asia

One of the main reasons people travel all the way to Shymkent in Southern Kazakhstan is to visit the ancient Silk Road city of Turkestan, the spiritual capital of the Turkic world that was once a part of the Timurid Empire in the 14th Century, home to some of the most stunning ancient structures in Kazakhstan. It's like a tinier version of Uzbekistan, all concentrated into one area.

Within this guide, I will provide you with a comprehensive list of the best places to visit in Turkestan and all the information you need to visit Turkestan on a day trip from Shymkent. Without further ado, here is a complete guide to Turkestan. Let's get packing!

Turkestan Best Places to Visit Map

Quick summary: best places to visit in turkestan.

• The Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi
• The Mausoleum of Rabia Sultan Begum
• The Underground Mosque
• Masjid Khoja Ahmad Yassavi
• Karavan Saray

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Where to stay in shymkent, when to visit turkestan, how to get from shymkent to turkestan, how to get to shymkent, how to get around turkestan, how long to spend in turkestan, turkestan entrance tickets and opening hours, how much does it cost to visit turkestan as a day trip from shymkent, what to pack for turkestan, further reading for central asia.

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5 Best Places to Visit in Turkestan

1. the mausoleum of khoja ahmed yasawi.

One of the highlights of visiting Turkestan is witnessing the incredible beauty of the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi , one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Muslims as well as the most famous landmarks in the city.

The mausoleum is dedicated to the renowned Sufi poet and philosopher, Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, who lived in Turkestan in the 12th century during the Timurid Empire reign of the region. He was one of the most influential figures in the region, and the lasting impact of his teachings is forever immortalized here in the form of this stunning piece of architecture that had stood the test of time.

The construction of the mausoleum began in the late 14th century but remained unfinished. Despite its incomplete state, the mausoleum showcases remarkable architectural and artistic features. It exemplifies the Timurid architectural style and is known for its majestic dome and intricate tilework.

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The mausoleum features a massive, turquoise-colored dome that dominates the structure. It is one of the largest domes in Central Asia, with a diameter of approximately 18 meters (59 feet).

The facades of the mausoleum are also covered with exquisite mosaic tilework arranged in geometric patterns, often forming star-shaped motifs and interlaced designs that are predominantly blue and turquoise in color, which showcase the unique characteristics of the architecture often found in this part of the ancient Silk Road.

The interior of the mausoleum is also as massive in scale as it is from the outside with a large main hall with an incredibly high domed ceiling connecting with several rooms holding small exhibitions you can check out.

Although I think the interior could use a little bit more paint, it is definitely worth checking out. The entrance fee to the mausoleum is 500 KZT per person and it is open between 9 AM to 6 PM every day.

Be sure to walk around the entire structure so you can admire the incredible details of the mosaic tilework that covers the entire structure. It is quite a sight to behold.

2. The Mausoleum of Rabia Sultan Begum

Located right next to the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi you will also find another impressive structure called the Mausoleum of Rabia Sultan Begum , which is a much smaller mausoleum but still very impressive to see.

With its incredible mosaic tilework on its domed roof and the much smaller scale of the structure, you should be able to appreciate just how incredibly symmetrical and detailed these Islamic patterns are. Be sure to drop by here once you are done with the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi.

3. The Underground Mosque

The Underground Mosque is another cool tourist attraction you should check out in Turkestan. Located not too far from the 2 mausoleums I mentioned earlier, the mosque is known for its unique architectural design, as it is built partially underground which is rather rare to see.

The entrance to the mosque is through a stairway or a sloping path that leads down into the underground space. Once you are inside, you will find yourself in a large prayer hall with high ceilings and columns.

It is adorned with beautiful decorative elements, including intricate tilework, calligraphy, and geometric designs. The subdued lighting inside is quite serene and rather interesting to walk around in.

Inside, you will also find several artifacts on display as well as a small exhibition dedicated to the preservation of the excavated artifacts found here as well as a painting depicting what life was like down here. Very interesting to walk around in.

To enter the mosque, you will have to pay another 500 KZT for the entrance which will also give you access to the Ancient Baths adjacent to the underground mosque. The mosque is open from 9 AM to 6 PM every day.

4. Masjid Khoja Ahmad Yassavi

Another great place to visit while you are in Turkestan is Masjid Khoja Ahmad Yassavi , a beautiful mosque that blends the Timurid architectural style, characterized by the intricate tilework, and decorative elements, with modern design features like its massive proportion, creating a really unique piece of architecture that stands out from the rest of the structures here.

The mosque is dominated by a large, turquoise-colored dome, similar to the nearby Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi. It is supported by 2 majestic minarets and a unique stacking building block feature around its corners which is something you don't see every day. It's definitely worth a visit while you are in Turkestan.

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2 day tour to Turkestan from Almaty

2 day tour to Turkestan from Almaty will introduce you to the prominent figure of poet and sufi Hodja Ahmed Yassavi.

Azret-Sultan complex, Khoja Ahmed Yasawi mausoleum, Turkestan town necropolis

2 Days | All year round | from US$ 280 per person Details

Turkestan, Kazakhstan

Tours, Attractions and Things To Do in Turkestan

History of turkestan.

Turkestan is one of the oldest cities in Kazakhstan. It was founded in 418. It is known that in the tenth century the city was called Shavgar (Shavagar). It was part of the Samanids state.

In the XII century, Shavgar disappeared from written sources, but Yasi (Yassy) appeared, which was also located on the territory of present-day Turkestan.

In the XII century, the famous philosopher and poet Khoja Ahmed Yasawi lived and was buried in Yasi. In 1398, when Yasi was part of Tamerlane's empire, the ruler erected a mausoleum over the philosopher's grave and built a mosque. It is to this mausoleum that pilgrims are coming in an endless stream today. The religious complex is also included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Since the XVI century, Yasi has become the main city of the Kazakh Khanate. At the same time, it was renamed Turkestan. The Mint appeared here, where silver money with the image of rulers began to be printed. This is confirmed by archaeological excavations.

In 1864, Turkestan was conquered by the Russian Empire, ceased to be the capital and entered the newly formed Turkestan General- Governorship.

In 1991, Turkestan became part of independent Kazakhstan, and since 2018, the city has been experiencing a rebirth. It is gradually becoming the historical and spiritual center of the republic. Tourism has also begun to develop here. For example, in 2020, the construction of an international airport was completed in the city.

Attractions of Turkestan

The most famous attractions of Turkestan are concentrated where the mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi is located. The poet and philosopher had great authority among Muslims during his lifetime. He died in the middle of the XII century and was buried in a small mausoleum. After 250 years, Tamerlane, who captured Turkestan, decided to erect a large memorial complex on the tomb of Yassavi. Thus, he strengthened his own authority in the eyes of local residents.

Even more Muslims began to come to the new complex. The place became revered as a shrine. Previously, it was believed that a person who visited this place three times could not go to Mecca. The tomb of the philosopher is the center of the historical and cultural museum-reserve "Hazret Sultan".

In addition to the majestic mausoleum, Tamerlane built a monastery of Sufis here, who were followers of Yassavi.

The following rulers tried to keep the mausoleum intact. With the emergence of the Kazakh Khanate, the mausoleum was for some time the residence of the khans. Also in the historical part of Turkestan there is the grave of Tamerlane's granddaughter and Mirzo Ulugbek's daughter – the mausoleum of Robia Sultan Begim – and a small necropolis of Kazakh khans – Ablay Khan, Yesim Khan, Abulkhair Khan and others. Take a look at the underground mosque of the XII century called Hilvet.

There are also interesting museums in Turkestan: the Museum of the Oriental bath, the museum of the "Juma Mosque" of the XVIII century, the Museum of Archeology and Ethnography and the Museum of the history of Turkestan.

A mandatory place to visit is the mausoleum of Arystan Baba, which is located 60 kilometers from Turkestan. The saint was the spiritual mentor of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi. They say that it is better to start your pilgrimage to Turkestan shrines from here.

The modern complex "Caravanserai", located in Turkestan, will surprise even the sophisticated traveler. Artisan streets and shopping districts have been recreated here, an amphitheater for horse shows has been built. The complex also houses the only "Flying Theater" in Central Asia. There are oriental restaurants, hotels and an entertainment center on the territory.

The railway station building, erected in 1903, is an architectural monument. Initially, the brick building with high facades was divided into three parts: the lobby and waiting rooms for the first and second classes. Architectural elements in the form of door handles, turrets and oriental murals harmoniously fit into the urban landscape. Inside the station there is a bronze chandelier and a buffet brought here at the beginning of the twentieth century.

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By Wang Lixiong , published March 3, 2014

(On the evening of March 1, 2014, several knife-wielding men and at least one woman killed 33 and injured more than 140 in the train station in the southwestern city of Kunming. The Chinese authorities blame Uighur separatists for the terrorist attack. — Editor)

People asked how I look at the Kunming incident. I don’t feel I have much more to say. The issue lies not in the incident itself but beyond it, and it has been long in the making. I have said everything in my book My West China; Your East Turkestan (《我的西域; 你的东土》) published in 2007.  I offer the following excerpts from the book to serve as my answer:

What is “Xinjiang?” Its most straightforward meaning is “new territory.” But for the Uighurs, how could the land possibly be their “new territory” when it has been their home and their ancestors’ home for generations. It is only a new territory for the occupiers.

The Uighurs don’t like to hear the name “Xinjiang” because it is itself a proclamation of an empire’s expansion, the bragging of the colonists, and a testimony of the indigenous people’s humiliation and misfortune.

Even for China, the name “New Territory” is awkward. Everywhere and on every occasion, China claims that Xinjiang has belonged to China ever since ancient times, but why is it called the “new territory?” The government-employed scholars racked their brain, insisting that “new territory” is the “new” in the phrase “the new return of old territories” by Zuo Zongtang’s (左宗棠, best known as General Tsao who led the campaign to reclaim Xinjiang in 1875-1876).  This is far-fetched, because in that case, shouldn’t it be called the “old territory”?

I will never forget a scene once described by a foreign journalist in which, every evening, a seven-year-old Uighur boy unhoisted the Chinese flag, which the Chinese authorities required them to fly during the day, and trampled it underfoot. What hatred would make a child do that? Indeed, from children, one can measure most accurately the level of ethnic tension. If even children are taking part in it, then it is a united and unanimous hostility.

That’s why, in Palestinian scenes of violence, we always see children in the midst. I use the term “Palestinization” to describe the full mobilization of a people and the full extent of its hatred. To me, Xinjiang is Palestinizing. It has not boiled to the surface as much, but it has been fermenting in the heart of the indigenous peoples.

The indigenous peoples regarded Sheng Shicai (盛世才) , the Han (Chinese) war lord who ruled Xinjiang during the 1930s and 1940s, as an executioner, and they call Wang Lequan (王乐泉), the CCP secretary who carried out heavy-handed policies in Xinjiang, Wang Shicai. But when, in Urumqi, the Han taxi driver saw I was holding a copy of Sheng Shicai, the Lord of the Outer Frontiers , a book I had just bought from a bookstore, he immediately enthused about Sheng. “The policies at his time were truly good,” he exalted.

CCP’s policies in Xinjiang today have been escalating the ethnic tension. Continuing on that path, it will not take long to reach the point of no return where all opportunities for healthy interaction will be lost, and a vicious cycle pushes the two sides farther and farther apart. Once reaching that point of no return, Xinjiang will likely become the next Middle East or Chechnya.

Once, I asked a Uighur youth whether he wanted to make a pilgrimage to Mecca. He said he wanted badly, but he cannot go now because the Koran teaches him that, when your homeland is still under occupation, you cannot make pilgrimages to Mecca. He stopped short there, but the idea was clear. To fulfill his wish, he will fight to drive the Hans out of his homeland.

However, I am more shocked by Han intellectuals, including some elites at the top. On any normal day, they appear to be open-minded, reasonable, and supportive of reform, but as soon as we touches the topic of Xinjiang, the word “kill” streams out of their mouths with such facility. If genocide can keep Xinjiang under China’s sovereignty, I think it is possible that they will be able to stay composed and quiet if millions of Uighurs are killed.

If the oppression is political oppression, once the political system changes, the oppression will be lifted, and I suppose all ethnicities should still be able to live and work together to build a new society. But if the minorities believe that the oppression comes from the Han people, then political change will not solve the problem fundamentally. The only option will be independence.

This is a factor working against China’s political transition, because, instead of helping keep the minorities in China, political change will weaken the Chinese control, and the indigenous peoples will seek independence.

As an observer of the CCP’s power operation, I often see in my mind’s eye a scene you would see in Chinese acrobatics: one chair stacks on another, another and another, with the performer turning upside down one moment and swiveling around the next on top of them. Today, the CCP’s acrobatic skills have also reached such virtuoso levels, stacking chairs to an incredible height. However, the balance will not last forever, and the chairs cannot be stacked to an indefinite height. There will be a moment when all chairs will tumble down. The taller the chairs have been stacked, the harder they will collapse.

Over the CCP’s rule of more than half a century, the humanistic tradition has been cut off, education of humanities has been marginalized and has become insignificant. Even the new generation of bureaucrats, who are considered to have received a good education, are mere technocrats who have knowledge but no soul and who worship power and look down on the poor and the weak. They rely on nothing else but the power system and the art of power struggle; they are good at nothing but using such administrative power as a means of suppression. They churn out phrases like “step up,” “strike hard,” “punish severely” every time they talk. It seems to work for the moment, but it is drinking poison to quench the thirst.

In the absence of the humanistic spirit, the power group has no capacity to face deeper areas of culture, history, faith, and philosophy. Their solutions tend to be wretched and simplistic, calming down disruptive incidents like a fire engine darting out to distinguish a fire. But the ethnic problem is precisely a humanistic issue and the correct way of solving it is only attainable through a humanistic approach. Looking ahead, it is hard to expect the CCP to make any breakthroughs, because the revival of humanistic values cannot be done in a snap.

Throughout its history, Xinjiang was twice “East Turkestan” ( once in 1933 and another time in 1944 ).  But China in the last century also saw various separatist rules, including the Communist Party’s “Soviet Republic,” resulting in China’s continuous division. In fact, the escalation of the Xinjiang problem almost coincided with Beijing’s “anti-separatism struggle” in Xinjiang. Therefore, we have reason to believe that, the Xinjiang issue to a large extent is a self-fulfilling prophecy.

[In 2000, the CCP issued Document No. 7 with regard to the Xinjiang issue. This is how it described what is at issue: “The principal danger to Xinjiang’s stability is the separatist force and illegal religious activities.” The syntax resembles Mao Zedong’s edict about Xinjiang [ in 1962 when China and USSR turned from “brothers” to enemies ]: “the principal danger in Xinjiang comes from the Soviet Union’s modern revisionism.” The difference is the focus has turned from international relations to ethnic relations. And this document has since become the CCP’s guidelines and policy foundation for carrying out hardline approaches in Xinjiang.

The crackdown has been strengthened, but terrorist activities have picked up. Why?  Is there a cause-and-effect correlation between the two?  It is possible that some terrorist groups and activities are the creations of the CCP’s “prophecies.” The CCP’s own creator Mao Zedong said long ago that “there is no such thing as hate without a reason,” but Beijing has not pause to consider the most important question:  What are the reasons and causes of ethnic hatred in Xinjiang?

When Document No. 7 insists that “the principal danger to Xinjiang’s stability is the separatist force and illegal religious activities,” it separates the Hans and the indigenous peoples living in Xinjiang into two groups, pitting them against each other, because both the “separatist force” and the “illegal religious activities” are aiming at the indigenous peoples.

Naturally, Beijing has been relying on the Hans living in Xinjiang to carry out its administration, and the indigenous peoples on the other hand have become groups on whom watchful eyes must be kept. Consequently, all the “prophecies” are being self-fulfilled: The Hans are vigilant toward the indigenous peoples, and the indigenous peoples eventually will be driven to the opposite side. A small number of terrorists are not a big problem; the biggest danger is when the indigenous peoples in Xinjiang as a whole turn against Beijing.

With the idea of stabilizing Xinjiang through economic development, the basic mistake is that the essence of the ethnic issue is not economic but political. To begin with, it is upside down to solve a political problem with economical solutions, and how do you expect to solve the ethnic problem when high-strung political suppression continues to ratchet up?

Beijing likes to flaunt how much money it has given Xinjiang, but the indigenous peoples are asking: How much oil have you siphoned away from Xinjiang? The Number One project in China’s “Grand Development of the West” is “the transportation of natural gas from the west to the east.” The Xinjiang residents have legitimate reasons to question whether the development of the west is in fact a plunder of the west. As long as the hostility exists and different ethnic groups distrust each other, all economic activities can be labeled as colonialism.

Hans are 40% of the Xinjiang population but they have controlled most of the power and the economic and intellectual resources in Xinjiang. They are positioned to grab more benefit than the indigenous peoples in any given new wealth distribution or new opportunities. Xinjiang’s economy depends on the interior of China. The use of Mandarin alone puts the indigenous peoples at a disadvantage. Today, if you are looking for a job in Xinjiang but don’t speak Mandarin, you will be dismissed right away. High-level positions are mostly held by the Hans.

Unemployment in Xinjiang is severe. Young people often can’t find a job. Han residents can go to the interior to work, but the indigenous people can only stay home. When I travelled in Xinjiang, I saw ethnic youth loitering together chatting or carousing. Scenes like that always troubled me because, what would the future hold if so many young people are idling, having no place to make better use of their energy, while hatred keeps growing?

A Uighur friend told me, “Look, 99% of diners in these little restaurants are Uighurs and 99% of them are paying from their own pockets. But 99% of the customers in big restaurants are Hans, and 99% of them are paying bills with public money!” The discontent of ethnic minorities first and foremost came from such visual and straightforward contrasts. Indeed, in expensive venues in Xinjiang, there were hardly any ethnic people. There, it felt just like China’s interior with Hans all around speaking Chinese.

As with any changing circumstances, there is a tipping point. Before reaching that point, there might be room for improvement. But once past the tipping point, the situation will be similar to the kind of ethnic war between the Palestinians and the Israelis that has no solution and no end in sight. I cannot estimate how far we are from that tipping point, but following the path the current regime is walking on, we are fast approaching it.

The CCP seems to believe that, with the grip on power, they can do anything they want without having to care about the feelings of the indigenous peoples. A typical example is that they sprinkled Wang Zhen (王震)’s ashes in the Heavenly Mountains. ( Wang Zhen was one of the eight “lords” of the CCP and the first party secretary in Xinjiang .) For the indigenous peoples, all water comes from the sacred Heavenly Mountains (天山). The Muslims have particular concepts of being clean, not just tangibly but also intangibly. Ashes are not clean; on top of that, Wang Zhen was a heretic and a murderer, and to spread his ashes was to foul all of the water for Muslims.

Having ruled Xinjiang for decades, the Chinese government’s impertinence was such that, to satisfy Wang Zhen’s wish, the will of more than 10 million Muslims living in Xinjiang must be cast aside and the event must be broadcast loudly. Indeed, Xinjiang Muslims couldn’t do anything about it and still had to drink water. But you can imagine every time a Xinjiang Muslim drinks water, how he or she would be irritated by the idea of uncleanness, and how they would think that, if Xinjiang is independent, such a thing would never have happened.

The mosques are not allowed to run schools to teach the Koran. But how can you prohibit a religion from preaching its beliefs? When the students cannot study Koran in Xinjiang, they will have to go to Pakistan, Afghanistan … in the end some of them will be turned into Talibans and get Jihad indoctrination and terrorist training. Finally they will return to Xinjiang to engage in terrorism and fight for the freedom of spreading the Islam.

When people petition, protest, even provoke disturbances, it means they still harbor hopes for solutions. When they cease to say or do anything, it is not stability; it is despair. Deng Xiaping was right when he said, “the most terrifying thing is when the people are stone quiet.” Unfortunately none of his successors really understood him. Today the rulers are rather complacent about the general silence. Any expression of resistance by the Uighurs will be met with head-on blows.

Eliminating conflicts “at the germinating stage” isn’t a good way to deal with conflicts, because the nature of the conflict doesn’t manifest itself in that early stage, while many positive factors can also be eliminated. That’s not really eliminating the friction, but suppresses it or rubs it in deeper. It will pile up and there will be a day when it will be triggered unexpectedly: out of silence thunders crashes down.

If the percentage of Hans in Xinjiang are small, they would retreat to the interior as soon as there are signs of unrest. Conversely, if the Han immigrants outnumber the indigenous peoples with even more advantages than numbers, then the indigenous peoples would shun rashness. But now is a time when conflict is mostly likely because the Hans and the indigenous peoples are closely equally numbered.

Han is the second largest ethnic group in Xinjiang. A considerable portion of them have long put down roots in Xinjiang, and some have lived in Xinjiang for generations already. They don’t have anything in the interior, and they will defend Xinjiang as they would their homeland. This means that, when Hans in Xinjiang are faced with ethnic conflict, they are unlikely to exercise restraint. Instead, they would use the weapons, the fortunes, the technology and the leadership positions they have at their command to fight the indigenous peoples, with the help of the great China behind them.

When the Uighurs begin a Jihad against the Chinese rule, will other Muslims join their cause, such as the Caucasians, the Afghans, and rich Arabs? The separatists know very well that they can’t confront China by themselves, so they have always put their cause in the larger picture of the world. I have heard them talking about Xinjiang’s geopolitics, the world of Islam, and the international community, and I was surprised by their wide visions.

When the time comes, Xinjiang will simultaneously have organized unrest and random disruptions, prepared armed actions and improvised terror attacks. Overseas Uighurs will get involved, and international Muslims will also intervene. In a convergence like that, the conflict will inevitably escalate. It will not be easy for the Hans to put Xinjiang under control, but on the other hand, once hatred is being mobilized, it will see no end, and the killing will be imaginably frantic and ruthless.

In Xinjiang, an Uzbek professor told me that China is bound to slip into chaos in the future, and the day China democratizes will be the day when Xinjiang will be in a blood bath. Every time he thinks about it, he said, he is scared, and he must send his children abroad, away from Xinjiang.

Read the complete book My West China; Your East Turkestan here (in Chinese).

Xinjiang or East Turkestan: Contending Historical Narratives and the Politics of Representation in China , by Michael Caster

(Translation by China Change)

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50 responses to “excerpts from “my west china, your east turkestan” — my view on the kunming incident”.

Reblogged this on Human Relationships .

for freedom！ http://goo.gl/aargV8

[…] Lixiong, um conhecido activista pela democracia escreve no Chinachange.org sobre o que pode estar por detrás do ataque no fim-de-semana na estação de comboios da cidade […]

My West China; Your East Turkestan

Link to the complete book in Chinese http://m.friendfeed-media.com/e99a4ebe2fb4c1985c2a58775eb4422961aa5a2e

What a nice article. I am really surprised how well the author knows the whole issue there in my home region. Thumbs up really, such a thorough and deep analysis! I am so glad at lease somebody out there knows whats going although he himself not a Uyghur. I thought only Uyghurs know how they feel

[…] reason. I strongly recommend taking ten minutes to read Chinachange.org’s translation of an opinion piece written by Wang Lixiong (王力雄), Beijing-based political dissident and writer of “My […]

[…] By Wang Lixiong, published March 3, 2014 (On the evening of March 1, 2014, several knife-wielding men and at least one woman killed 33 and injured more than 140 in the train station in the s… from China Studies at Leiden University http://chinachange.org/2014/03/03/excerpts-from-my-west-china-your-east-turkestan-my-view-on-the-kun&#8230 ; […]

Vey good analysis of China’s imperialistic, megalomaniac policies & strategies to grab what does not belong to China.

[…] the recent knife attack and the greater debate about ethnic and religious repression in China, see Wang Lixiong’s reflections on the Kunming incident as informed by his observations in Xinjiang (translated by China Change), a Facebook post by […]

[…] a reason. I strongly recommend taking ten minutes to read Chinachange.org’s translation of an opinion piece written by Wang Lixiong (王力雄), Beijing-based political dissident and writer of “My West […]

In politics there is only the ruling class, their supporters and the disenfranchised. In a democracy the ruling class is supported by the majority of the population who falls into the 2nd group. Disenfranchised is managed at ~50% or so high or low. In a dictatorship the majority is disenfranchised.

It doesn’t matter what the ancestry is, as long as in the present the majority of the population feels grossly disenfranchised by the current regime, the sentiment for revolution would grow as they seek to change their disenfranchised status after grievances followed by grievances. The only risk is in seeking their goal they may replace one extremely selfish ruling class by another extremely selfish ruling class and end up getting nowhere.

The corollary of disenfranchisement is if the ruling class is extremely selfish it has a tendency to disenfranchise others, including its own supporters in the past. We see that in Joseph Stalin who ran a police state, and we see that in today’s Right Wing western rulers who seeks tax cut for the rich (minority by definition). They all have authoritarian tendencies, even in advanced Western democracies. They are not afraid to use propaganda to advocate for war (Iraq), fan nationalism (China) to support their own self interest, and crack down on dissent such as occupy wall street. When extremely selfish people become exploitative the general population suffer. The collective common such as defense suffer. And eventually the political institutions are neglected and falls. Only then will revolution take hold, and the cycle begins again.

Thank you for your insightful article. I only wish many more Chinese intellectuals were like you.

I am a Mongolian and feel sorry for the oppressed Inner Mongolians in China, in the same way as Uighurs, but still do hope the human wisdom will shine once again in China.

Keep lighting the way!

mongol nazi, inner mongolia more richer than u country. and inner mongolia is fake word. it is 3 chinese province and formed by ccp in 1947 one day we will repeal the fake word

Nice article.

There are too many dirty and bloody things done by the government and its officials. But ordinary Han Chinese are brain washed by the government and without knowing any of those dirty things done by them. Whatever its reasons behind, there is no justice to kill those 33 ordinary people. The people cannot repeat what bad things done by the government in sacrifice of lives of ordinary people.

do u think chinese are idiot?

uyghur became more and more wahhabism .do u konw it?

Most Chinese are ignorant about what it means to be democratic and that is by design. They simply haven’t been taught what they need to know. For instance a perfect example of undemocratic institution such as communist part would limit its membership to only a selected few because if it opens up membership to everyone it would become democratic. Yet most Chinese activist only advocates for rule of law, not open membership, so they are doomed to fail because they are essentially begging for a better system instead of making real fundamental demand for change, so their efforts are doomed to begin with due to lack of understanding. Chinese people are not idiot but are simply ignorant and less knowledgeable. Even Chinese who are western educated do not grasp the fundamentals of political economy to understand what they should be advocating if they want better representation.

Thank you so much for this very insightful and thought provoking article about the situation in Xinjiang.

I’m really curious what dissident Chinese intellectuals like Mr. Wang could recommend. Is he okay with China being split apart? ‘Cause you can’t have an independent East Turkestan without an independent Tibet…and maybe even the loss of so-called Inner Mongolia to Mongolia!

And if you’re going to have freedom of speech, religion, and all that nice democratic stuff — which is morally correct, to be sure — then that’s exactly what you’ll wind up with: ever more strident calls for independence and, of course, violence anyway eventually since independence can never come quickly enough for most nationalists.

Unless people like Mr. Wang are willing to countenance such a development — the Chinese state being split apart in blood anyway (there almost certainly won’t be a Czech-Slovak divorce here) — what else could the Communist authorities do but try their acrobatic best juggling crisis after crisis?

It would really be nice to see some specifics from honest Chinese like Mr. Wang.

It is not yours to begin with. Why do you want to keep other nations under your banner and torture them when they dont want to?

I’m really curious what dissident Chinese intellectuals like Mr. Wang could recommend. Is he okay with China being split apart? ‘Cause you can’t have an independent East Turkestan without an independent Tibet…and maybe even the loss of so-called Inner Mongolia to Mongolia!

And if you’re going to have freedom of speech, religion, and all that nice democratic stuff — which is morally correct, to be sure — then that’s exactly what you’ll wind up with: ever more strident calls for independence and, of course, violence anyway eventually since independence can never come quickly enough for most nationalists.

Unless people like Mr. Wang are willing to countenance such a development — the Chinese state being split apart in blood anyway (there almost certainly won’t be a Czech-Slovak divorce here) — what else could the Communist authorities do but try their acrobatic best juggling crisis after crisis?

it’s sad that such different believes in race and religion bring about a division within the people of the same city, all for political reasons. this is very much sound like a civil war about to happen.

An independent Xinjiang could well set a precedent for an independent Tibet. (In one respect, the demographic situation would be easier for Tibet than Xinjiang since the number of permanent Han immigrants to Tibet is still low. In another, it would be more complex, since there are large Tibetan areas outside of the Tibet Autonomous Region.)

I disagree that this would set a precedent for Inner Mongolia, if only because the Inner Mongolian population is overwhelmingly Han Chinese and has been so for at least the past century, possibly longer. One might as well imagine the Chinese northeast–the former Manchuria–becoming a Manchu nation-state.

More importantly, this is why I don’t see China granting independence to Xinjiang any time soon. What nation-state wants to give up territory, especially if it fears that it might lead to further losses? Russia is not about to give up Chechnya, say, because it fears losing all of the North Caucasus to separatists, and perhaps beyond.

Indeed, so what’s the Chinese state to do? I’m really curious what folks like Mr. Wang propose specifically. The depth of hatred involved suggests a damned-if-you-do/damned-if-you-don’t reality that precludes any policy prescription save biding one’s time and keeping on keepin’ on…?

Personally, I think there should be a high-level effort to invest in varsity and local sports — everyone look for the upcoming “Diamond in the Dunes” documentary, scheduled for broadcast on PBS in the US next year, about a Uyghur university baseball team captain struggling to hold his ethnically diverse team together for their big game against Tibetan students — to promote the “ethnic harmony” they so prize.

Tibetan exile Govt’s. longstanding view on solving Tibet’s problem is through dialogue, since 1979s HH Dalai lama has proposed middle way for political solution, this is based on current political situation but it does not mean Tibet concedes defeat to communist China. It was to find immediate solution based on compromise geo-political demands. Nonetheless China continues to rand Dalai lama as separatist, no matter how much compromise you show to Communist China it will never reflect upon their policies here won’t be any quid pro quo. China only knows how to subdue indigenous peoples and to colonize its peripheries…..

The New York Times Chinese Officials Seek to Shift Attention From Rampage, MARCH 4, 2014

with link to this essay http://chinachange.org/2014/03/03/excerpts-from-my-west-china-your-east-turkestan-my-view-on-the-kunming-incident/

[…] per la quale Osama Bin Laden non ha mai veramente menzionato gli uiguri o i Ceceni». Anche secondo Wang Lixiong, intellettuale di etnia Han sensibile alla causa uigura e tibetana, la componente religiosa nel […]

[…] In every society, it is the young males, especially unmarried ones without children, that pose the greatest social stability challenges of all.  It is only a matter of time before things hit critical mass, the point of no return, as dissident writer Wang Lixiong predicts. […]

[…] blog China Change, meanwhile, posted translated excerpts from Chinese writer Wang Lixiong‘s 2007 book My West China, Your East Turkestan. Wang’s […]

[…] Excerpts from “My West China, Your East Turkestan” — My View on the Kunming Incident, by Wang Lixiong […]

[…] There have been some reports that there was a “terrorist attack” in 廣東省(Guangdong Province) 廣州市 (Guangzhou City)‘s Metro. Where two men were spraying some sort of irritant into the air, causing spread and panic, where people ended up trampling over others: http://www.nownews.com/n/2014/03/04/1136443 In accordance with the “7 No’s” of not spreading rumors, CCTV had mentioned that this is merely a rumor. Not sure if they meant the incident didn’t happen at all, or whether or not it was just not a terrorist attack. UPDATE: March 4, 2014 A good piece on exactly how China’s presence in XinJiang is making it hard for locals: http://chinachange.org/2014/03/03/excerpts-from-my-west-china-your-east-turkestan-my-view-on-the-kun&#8230 ; […]

This article conveys a number of home truths, but there is no chance that any Chinese government, “communist” or otherwise, will accept the independence of Xinjiang or Tibet. They are not only sources of raw materials that China proper lacks, but also buffers against dangers from India, Russia, and the central Asian countries. And they have been formally part of China for longer than the US has existed.

The only way to make progress is for Chinese to better understand the non-Chinese people in the region, and to make more efforts to include them in government and in prosperity. Most Chinese think of Uighurs (and Tibetans) as “backward and dirty.” Getting rid of this prejudice is the first thing that has to be done, both by government policy and by more Uighur involvement in the rigors of Chinese life.

But I don’t hold out much hope for avoiding violence, especially since I agree that China itself may have trouble dealing with its own centrifugal tendencies, if there is any serious economic downturn. I personally think everyone is better served by peace rather than violence, but the actual participants may feel differently. I do not discount the likelihood of CIA involvement in Xinjiang, either. In the furtherance of its own goals, the US (like other “great nations”) accepts a bit of violence and suffering…especially in other countries.

mexpiy koresh

http://forum.uyghuramerican.org/forum/showthread.php?34876-mana-bu-bizning-halimiz&p=142807#post142807

muhajirettiki qerindashlirmiz we teshkilatlirmiz arisda itipaqliq birlikning emelge ashalmasliqidiki sewep bizde dimukirattiye yoq. bir qsim kishler ozlirning gipini ras dep turiwalidu.kimning hoquqi chong bolsa shuning gipi gep boliwatidu.asasliqi ledirlirmizning sewyisi towen bolghach uyghur dewasigha toghra yitekchilik qilalmaywatidu. biz qabilyetlik rehberlirmizni qollishimiz, birqisim qabilyetsiz rehberlerni shallishimiz kerek.bu eng awal qilishqa tigishlik muhim ish.uyghur dewasigha rehberlik qilish uchun qorsaqta umach bulishi kerek. sherqi turkistan dewasini tereqqi qildurush uchun kuchluk sewiye telep qilinidu.sen sherqi turkistan dewasini ugunup bashlan’ghuchning diplomini alghan bolsang ottura mektepning balsgha deris birelmeysen. nowette dewa sepimizge kiriwalghan birqism munapiqlar teshkilatlirmizni jan baqidighan qoralgha aylanduriwaldi. bular gorohwazliq qilp,oghiri qaraqchilardek herket qilip yengidin bash koturup chiqqan teshkilatlarni urup yiqitiwatidu.dewani keynige sorewatidu. bundaq bulishidiki asasliq sewep ledirning teshikilatni yiteklep mangghidek sewiysning yoqlighida yaki bolmisa xitaygha bergen wede qesemlirni emelge ashurush uchun ishlewatqanlighida.sherqi turkistan sergerdan hokumiti,sherqi turkistan maarip hemkarliq jemiyiti qatarliq uyghur teshkilatlirning tek mewjut bulishi bir ijabi hadise idi.bu teshkilatlar ottursidiki mesillerni toghra hel qilalmighanliq yene del shu ledirning xataliqi. sen ozengni men uyghurning lediri deysen, likin arida buzghunchiliq qilisen.weten uchun jan pida qilshni xalaydighan heqiqi ot yurek inqilapchilar bilen heqiqi yusunda hemkarlishishni xalimaysen.sen zadi kim bilen hemkarlishishni xalaysen.sining haling shu tursa dewada qanchilik netije qolgha kelidu? uyghurning arzusi erkin hor yashash.hergizmu milyonir bulush emes.sen munapiq xitaydinmu zeherxende birdem qerindashlirmizni chetke qaqsang birdem xitay doslurung arqiliq qerindashlirmizni yoqitiwatisen.sen zadi qandaq ledir?

[…] fell within a year to the brutal warlord Sheng Shicai. The Chinese writer and activist Wang Lixiong mentions in his 2007 book My West China, Your East Turkestan that while some of Xinjiang’s Han residents […]

[…] disaster novel Yellow Peril (translated as China Tidal Wave), Sky Burial: The Faces of Tibet, and My West China, Your East Turkestan. In early July, they were put under house arrest for two days to prevent Woeser from meeting US […]

[…] blamed Uighur separatists for the terrorist attack. When asked his opinion about the violence, Chinese writer Wang Lixiong, who had travelled in Xinjiang in nine trips over the span of nearly three decades, pointed out […]

[…] Excerpts from “My West China, Your East Turkestan” — My View on the Kunming Incident, by Wang Lixiong, March 3, 2014 […]

[…] a book titled “My West China, Your East Turkestan”, read an extract from that book in English on China Change here. The last paragraph of the article refers to Woeser’s own short story Nyima Tsering’s […]

[…] küçük Uygur huzursuzluk belirtisini şiddetle bastırmış ve iş, konut, banka kredileri ve Uygurlara verilmeyen ekonomik fırsatlar  sağlayarak, milyonlarca sadık Çinli vatandaşını Doğu Türkistan içine transfer ederek […]

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Essay on My Town

Students are often asked to write an essay on My Town in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on My Town

Introduction.

My town is a peaceful place nestled in the countryside. It’s small, yet vibrant, filled with friendly people and beautiful scenery.

The town features a park, a library, and a few local shops. The park is the heart of our town, where kids play and adults relax.

The people in my town are kind and helpful. You can always find a friendly face ready to assist you.

In conclusion, my town may be small, but it’s filled with charm and a close-knit community. I am proud to call it home.

250 Words Essay on My Town

My town, a picturesque embodiment of community and culture, serves as a microcosm of the world’s diversity and unity. Nestled amidst rolling hills and verdant landscapes, it is a beacon of tranquility, away from the hustle and bustle of metropolises.

Historical Significance

Steeped in history, my town is a living testament to the passage of time. Ancient structures, juxtaposed against modern architecture, narrate tales of epochs gone by. The local museum, housing relics and artifacts, offers a glimpse into the town’s rich heritage.

Cultural Richness

The town’s cultural fabric is a vibrant tapestry of traditions, festivals, and culinary delights. Annual festivities, like the Harvest Festival, bring together townsfolk in a vibrant display of unity and camaraderie. Our local cuisine, a palatable fusion of global and indigenous flavors, is a gastronomic delight for residents and visitors alike.

Economic Landscape

The town’s economy thrives on a balance of agriculture, small-scale industries, and tourism. Local businesses and artisans contribute significantly to the town’s economic growth, preserving its self-sustaining nature.

Natural Beauty

The town’s natural beauty, characterized by pristine lakes, lush parks, and an array of flora and fauna, offers a serene retreat for nature enthusiasts. The town’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its well-maintained green spaces and conservation initiatives.

My town, with its blend of history, culture, and nature, provides a unique living experience. It is a testament to the idea that progress and preservation can coexist harmoniously. This blend of the old and new, the traditional and modern, makes my town a truly special place to call home.

500 Words Essay on My Town

Physical characteristics.

The town’s physical landscape is a harmonious blend of natural beauty and human-made structures. The heart of the town is the central square, surrounded by a mix of historic buildings and modern edifices. The old church with its gothic architecture stands stoically, a testament to our town’s rich history. Meanwhile, the new community center, with its sleek, modern design, symbolizes the town’s progressive mindset. The town’s outskirts are adorned with lush green fields and dense woods, offering a serene escape from the urban hustle.

The Community

What truly sets my town apart, however, is its vibrant community. The town’s residents are a diverse mix of individuals, each contributing to the multicultural tapestry that defines our community. Despite the diversity, there is a strong sense of unity and mutual respect among the townsfolk. The local festivals, a colorful amalgamation of various cultural traditions, are a testament to this harmonious coexistence.

Economy and Infrastructure

The town’s economy is a balanced mix of agriculture, local businesses, and tourism. The fertile fields yield bountiful crops, while the local businesses, ranging from artisanal bakeries to tech startups, provide employment opportunities. The town’s picturesque landscape and rich cultural heritage attract tourists, further bolstering the local economy. The infrastructure, though not extravagant, is adequate and well-maintained, ensuring a comfortable life for the residents.

Education and Opportunities

Education is highly valued in my town, with the local school providing quality education to the town’s youth. The school, along with the community center, also hosts various workshops and courses, encouraging lifelong learning. The town’s strategic location near a major city provides ample opportunities for higher education and employment, making it an ideal place for young adults to thrive.

Personal Growth and Development

Living in this town has significantly influenced my personal growth and development. The town’s diverse community has instilled in me a deep respect for cultural diversity and the importance of unity. The town’s emphasis on education and the availability of diverse opportunities have nurtured my intellectual curiosity and ambition. The serene natural surroundings have taught me the value of tranquility and the importance of coexisting with nature.

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Essay Curve

Essay on My Town – 10 Lines, 100, 200, 500, 1500 Words

Essay on My Town: My town holds a special place in my heart, filled with memories of childhood adventures and community connections. In this essay, I will explore the unique characteristics and charm of my town, from its bustling main street to its peaceful parks and friendly residents. I will delve into the history and culture that make my town a truly special place to call home. Join me on a journey through the streets and neighborhoods that have shaped my identity and sense of belonging.

Table of Contents

My Town Essay Writing Tips

1. Start by introducing your town and providing some background information. Mention its location, size, population, and any other relevant details.

2. Describe the physical characteristics of your town. Talk about its architecture, landmarks, natural beauty, and any unique features that make it special.

3. Discuss the history of your town. Share some interesting facts about its origins, development, and any significant events that have shaped its identity.

4. Highlight the cultural aspects of your town. Talk about its traditions, festivals, cuisine, and local customs that make it a vibrant and diverse community.

5. Share personal anecdotes and experiences that showcase the charm and character of your town. Describe your favorite places to visit, activities to do, and people to meet.

6. Discuss the community spirit and sense of belonging in your town. Talk about the friendly residents, strong sense of community, and support networks that make it a welcoming place to live.

7. Address any challenges or issues facing your town. Talk about environmental concerns, economic struggles, or social issues that need to be addressed for the betterment of the community.

8. Offer suggestions for improvement and growth in your town. Discuss potential solutions to the challenges mentioned earlier and ways to enhance the quality of life for residents.

9. Conclude your essay by summarizing the key points and expressing your love and pride for your town. Reflect on what makes it a special place and why you are grateful to call it home.

10. Proofread your essay for grammar and spelling errors, and make sure it flows smoothly from one point to the next. Consider asking a friend or family member to read it and provide feedback before submitting it.

Essay on My Town in 10 Lines – Examples

1. My town is a small, charming community located in the heart of the countryside. 2. It is known for its friendly residents who always greet each other with a smile. 3. The town is surrounded by lush green fields and rolling hills, making it a picturesque place to live. 4. There are several quaint shops and cafes in the town center, perfect for a leisurely afternoon stroll. 5. The local farmers market is a popular spot for residents to buy fresh produce and homemade goods. 6. The town has a strong sense of community, with regular events and festivals that bring everyone together. 7. There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as hiking trails and parks for picnics. 8. The town is also home to a historic church and museum, showcasing its rich cultural heritage. 9. Residents take pride in their town and work together to keep it clean and well-maintained. 10. Overall, my town is a peaceful and idyllic place to call home, where everyone knows your name.

Sample Essay on My Town in 100-180 Words

My town is a small, close-knit community nestled in the heart of the countryside. With a population of just under 5,000 residents, it has a charming and peaceful atmosphere that is hard to find in larger cities. The town is surrounded by rolling hills and lush greenery, making it the perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts to explore.

One of the highlights of my town is the vibrant main street, lined with quaint shops, cozy cafes, and friendly faces. The local farmers market is a popular spot for residents to gather and support local businesses. In the evenings, the town comes alive with community events and festivals that bring everyone together.

Overall, my town may be small, but it has a big heart. The sense of community and connection among residents is what makes it truly special. I feel grateful to call this town my home.

Short Essay on My Town in 200-500 Words

My town is a small, close-knit community located in the heart of the Midwest. It is a place where everyone knows each other, and where the sense of community is strong. The town is surrounded by rolling hills and lush farmland, giving it a picturesque and peaceful atmosphere.

One of the things that makes my town special is its rich history. Founded over a century ago, the town has a number of well-preserved historic buildings and landmarks that serve as a reminder of its past. The town’s main street is lined with charming old buildings that house a variety of shops, restaurants, and businesses. One of the most iconic landmarks in town is the old courthouse, a beautiful red-brick building that dates back to the early 1900s.

In addition to its history, my town is also known for its strong sense of community. The people here are friendly and welcoming, always ready to lend a helping hand to a neighbor in need. There are a number of community events and activities that take place throughout the year, bringing people together to celebrate and enjoy each other’s company. From the annual Fourth of July parade to the weekly farmers’ market, there is always something happening in town to bring people together.

Despite its small size, my town has a lot to offer in terms of amenities and services. There are several parks and green spaces where residents can enjoy the outdoors, as well as a community center that offers a variety of programs and activities for people of all ages. The town also has a well-equipped library, a small hospital, and a number of schools that provide a quality education to the children of the community.

One of the things that I love most about my town is its natural beauty. The surrounding countryside is dotted with farms and fields, and the sunsets over the rolling hills are truly breathtaking. There are also several lakes and rivers nearby where residents can go fishing, boating, or simply relax by the water’s edge. The town is a great place for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and exploring the natural beauty that surrounds us.

In conclusion, my town is a special place that holds a special place in my heart. Its rich history, strong sense of community, and natural beauty make it a wonderful place to live. I feel grateful to call this town my home, and I look forward to many more years of making memories and building relationships with the people who make this town so special.

Essay on My Town in 1000-1500 Words

My Town: A Place of Beauty, Community, and Growth

Nestled in the heart of the countryside, my town is a place that holds a special place in my heart. With its picturesque landscapes, tight-knit community, and opportunities for growth, it is a place that I am proud to call home. In this essay, I will explore the various aspects that make my town unique and why it is a place that I hold dear.

One of the first things that comes to mind when I think of my town is its natural beauty. Surrounded by rolling hills, lush forests, and meandering rivers, my town is a sight to behold in every season. In the spring, the fields burst with colorful wildflowers, while in the summer, the trees provide shade from the scorching sun. In the fall, the leaves turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow, creating a stunning backdrop for long walks through the countryside. And in the winter, a blanket of snow covers the landscape, turning it into a winter wonderland.

But my town is not just beautiful on the outside – it is also a place that is filled with a sense of community and belonging. The people who live here are friendly, welcoming, and always willing to lend a helping hand. Whether it is a neighbor offering to watch your children while you run errands or a stranger stopping to help you change a flat tire, the sense of community in my town is palpable. There are regular community events, such as fairs, festivals, and parades, where everyone comes together to celebrate and have a good time. And the local businesses, from the small family-owned shops to the bustling farmers’ market, are an integral part of the community, providing goods and services that are essential to daily life.

In addition to its natural beauty and strong sense of community, my town also offers numerous opportunities for growth and development. The local schools are top-notch, with dedicated teachers who are committed to helping students succeed. There are also plenty of extracurricular activities available, from sports teams to art classes, that allow students to explore their interests and talents. For adults, there are numerous job opportunities in a variety of industries, from agriculture to technology, that provide a stable source of income and a chance for advancement. And for those who are looking to further their education, there are several colleges and universities within driving distance that offer a wide range of degree programs.

But perhaps the most important aspect of my town is the sense of pride that its residents have in their community. Whether it is volunteering at a local charity, participating in a town clean-up day, or simply supporting local businesses, the people who live here are deeply invested in making their town a better place. They take pride in its history, its traditions, and its future, and are always looking for ways to improve and grow. This sense of pride is infectious, and it is what makes my town such a special place to live.

In conclusion, my town is a place of beauty, community, and growth. Its natural landscapes are breathtaking, its sense of community is strong, and its opportunities for development are plentiful. But perhaps most importantly, it is a place where people take pride in their community and work together to make it a better place for everyone. I am grateful to call my town home, and I look forward to seeing how it continues to grow and thrive in the years to come.

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My Town World

Explore a mega world, play My Town & City games and have fun for hours! Discover 200+ playhouses you can add to your mini world. Each doll house is like a new game. Unlock all My Town and My City games and roleplay all day. My Town games are made to improve kids creativity and imagination. Play together with friends!

Wonderland Super Bundle

My Little Princess Magic Bundle

My City 11-15

My City 1-10

My Town 11-20

My Town 2-10

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Save up to 33% with these amazing bundles, Available only the on Appstore!

Play & Discover

My Town : Play & Discover

My Town : Play & Discover is the new game where you get your own town to play out stories in. It is not just a collection of games, it is a real town that you can customize. Most importantly this town is will keep growing with new locations, weekly clothing store updates and so much more.

Star Horse Stable

Dorm & Friends

Shopping Mall

Election Day

Kids Club House

Cops & Robbers

Wildlife Camping

Grandparents Home

Animal Shelter

Friend’s House

Wedding Party

Boat Adventure

High School

Orphan House

Pajama Party

Newborn Baby

Dentist Visit

After School

Everything is possible in My City! With lots of new characters, new locations and new adventures, My City is the place to Play, Explore and Imagine!

ICEME Amusement Park

Haunted House

Fire Station

Beauty Contest

Grandparents

Spa Beauty Salon

Dance School

Fashion Show

Beach & Picnic

Police Station

Each My Town app gives your child the opportunity to explore new worlds and make them their own. All games are connected to allow you to move items and character seamlessly between them as if it was one big dollhouse game made out of smaller locations.

Fairy Forest

My Little Princess

You can have a princess dress up party, apply girls makeup and customize every character. By connecting all of our games we are helping the kids to build a whole world around there own adventure. Everything a kid sees in the game is touchable or intractable.

Beauty & Beast

Little Mermaid

Fun and adventure can be found everywhere. Wonderland is a game where children make up the story as they play, Role-play and imagination is all that is needed to create your new adventure!

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