Overview
Turkestan draws pilgrims and travelers to the monumental Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a 14th-century Sufi shrine that has been called the 'Second Mecca of the East'. The 1600-year-old city preserves Central Asian architecture and serves as Kazakhstan's spiritual capital; in 2021, the Turkic Council formally recognized it as the spiritual capital of the Turkic world.
Architecture · Budget Travel · Day Trips · History
Before you go
Alcohol
Alcohol is difficult to find—most venues do not serve it. Only big supermarkets stock alcohol. Tourist-oriented venues like Karavan Saray also don't serve alcohol.
Culture
Turkestan is more conservative and Muslim than the rest of Kazakhstan. Dress modestly, especially at religious sites. Headscarves are provided free at the Yasawi Mausoleum entrance.
Money
Kazakh tenge (KZT) is the local currency. ATMs likely available near banks; cash preferred in bazaars and smaller establishments.
Safety
Turkestan is generally safe for travelers. Standard precautions apply in crowded markets and when using night transport.
Transport
Public buses cost 100 tenge (July 2025); bus 15 connects the train station to the mausoleum via Merey bus station. Yandex Maps and Yandex Go app work for navigation and ride-hailing.