Turkestan

Kazakhstan is a country of ancient civilizations. Since early times the Kazakhs have been creating their unique and original culture. Some outstanding mo­numents of their cultural heritage exist in the form of mounds, for­tresses, mausoleums and even whole settlements. Turkestan is one of these cities. It is more than 1,500 years old. A famous and highly respected in Islam world poet Hotzha Ahmed Jassavy brought it great popularity. This city, also known as Jassy, was the capital of the Kazakh khanate. The ceremonies of all Kazakh khans' coronations were held there. Now the centre of the city represents an ensemble of historical monuments and buildings. The most interesting among them are the tombs of Kazakh khans and representatives of a noble layer of society. It is the largest city in Central Asia by the number of tombs and mausoleums located there. The city was situated near the Great Silk Way. It was the trade road between the steppe and the cities of Central Asia, China and India. There was always vast trade there. China exported porcelain, Persian merchants sold skins of tigers, gold and silver things, Byzantium brought all kinds of cloth. Caravans carried coloured glass, silks, and cotton seeds to Russia. In the 15th - 16th centuries Turkestan was a residence of Kazakh khans.

One of the most remarkable monuments of this city is devoted to Ahmed Jassavy. It is a unique monument of the Kazakh people. This architectural complex, consisting of ancient palaces and temples, annually attracts a lot of tourists.

This place is honored as sacred by Moslems. Hotzha Ahmed Jassavy is a legendary person. His poems were very popular; they were learned by heart and recited in many places far outside the country. He died in 1166 and was buried with great honour in a small mausoleum, which soon became a place of mass pilgrimage for Moslems from all over the world. Existing today, the mausoleum was built 233 years later after his death. It was done by the order of the famous Tamerlan. This complex consists of a huge, rectangular building with portals and domes. UNESCO has put down Turkestan (to be exact the Ahmed Jassavy Mausoleum) in the list of the world heritage sites.

Burabai

Burabai is one of the most wonderful places in the world. It is a real pearl of nature and unique natural oasis. Kazakh Switzerland, the second name of this beautiful region in Northern Kazakhstan, is near Kokshetau. A great green wall of a forest suddenly appears in the yellow, sun- dried, endless steppe. Coming through it one can find a truly magnificent picturesque place. There are tall centenary trees, rocky mountain ranges, fantastic shapes of rocks and silent magic lakes. Burabai is a really mysterious and enigmatic place. Bura in the Kazakh language means "camel". There is an old legend about a camel living in this place. Having learned that people were going there, the camel turned into a tulpar or winged horse and flew away to the peak of Kokshetau. Thus it wanted to escape the misfortune which the people were bringing with them. Archeologists found a lot of tools from the epoch of the bronze era in this territory. It testifies that Burabai was settled not only by hunters but also by farmers and herdsmen. Scythian tribes looking for gold and ore constantly passed through this place.

The pine forests of Burabai are really fantastic. There are some birch forests in Burabai too. People are trying to get back to nature there. In the middle of the forest at a distance of about 100 meters from Lake Auliekol one can see a glade. People call it Ablai Khan's glade. He made the most important decisions there. It is always quiet here and the temperature is higher than in any other places. There is a sacred stone in the shape of a throne made of natural granite at the foot of Kokshe Mountain. They say that it is Ablai Khan's throne. The legend tells us if a child takes a seat there he will be great and famous leader in the future.

Burabai is a unique place for those who gather medicinal plants. It is also the best place for relaxation, self-contemplation and hiking. This resort is known far beyond Kazakhstan.