Among the many cities of Kazakhstan, the city of Taraz, formerly called Dzhambul, can be especially noted. The date of its foundation is the 7th-8th centuries of our era (the period of one of the main stages in the emergence of the Great Silk Road).
Today it is a beautiful modern city, where there are many churches, mosques, as well as amazing natural and memorable historical places.
The article presents some of the most famous sights of Taraz (photo with names and a short description).
General information
For many centuries, one of the oldest settlements in the Central Asian region was very cozy and green. Today, this attractive modern city is the administrative center of the Zhambyl region and one of the best settlements in Kazakhstan. Taraz, attracting the attention of foreign guests with its rich ancient history, is the cultural center of all of Kazakhstan.
There is a lot of amazing legends about this city (as well as about the oldest Troy). Of great interest are the diverse local natural and historical sights, as well as monuments and other unique structures of ancient architecture.
Dubbek Mausoleum
This ancient object is one of the many historical sights of Kazakhstan. In Taraz, there is a mausoleum built in the XIII century for Shamansur Dautbek - the governor of Genghis Khan. It is laid out from burnt bricks.
On the tombstone, located inside the dome structure, there is an inscription informing that this is the burial place of the great military commander, who had excellent command of the sword and feather, as well as protecting the Koran.
Aisha-Bibi Mausoleum
A monument of love and grief in the XII century. Here you can find the basics of medieval architecture.
There are many beautiful legends about the love between the bold Karakhan and the beautiful Aisha-Bibi. One of them tells that the beauty died of a snakebite when she ran to her lover from her strict parents. According to another legend, Aisha-Bibi was the wife of Karakhan and he built the mausoleum after the death of his beloved wife. The building is made of burnt bricks and finished with terracotta tiles.
This attraction of Taraz is located (photo is presented in the article) in the village of Aisha-Bibi, 18 kilometers from the city.
Monument to the "gentlemen of fortune"
The fact that in Taraz to the heroes of the famous Soviet comedy is a monument, few people know. It was established in honor of the anniversary (35 years) of the painting in 2006. The inscription on the tablet is the words of one of the main characters that were remembered by many: “Dzhambul - it's warm there, there is mom ...”
It is surprising that the monument, located on the market square and being the creation of the sculptor Temirkhan Kolzhigit, represents the figures of only four heroes, including the camel Vasya. It remains a mystery why there is no hero on this monument played by G. M. Vitsin.
Church of the Assumption of the Mother of God
This landmark of the city of Taraz was built in 1998. Later, a chapel was attached to the Orthodox church, made of white brick. Beautiful carved arched windows adorn the temple. In the current church today there are two icons (Nicholas the Wonderworker and Nile Stolobensky), in connection with which many pilgrims come here.
The temple is located on Tole Bi street (house 81 a).
Ancient Sanctuary - Merke
The preserved sanctuary of the ancient Turks includes stone statues, female and male figures. On the territory there are several graves and patrimonial temples. Stone figures stand on large mounds 1.2 meters high.
The first mention of this sacred landmark of Taraz dates back to the 9th century, however, scientists are of the opinion that it appeared around the 7th century. It is believed that it is possible to recover from illness simply by touching the “holy” land, so every year the number of pilgrims coming to this holy place located in the village of Merke is growing.
Bath of Kali Yunus
This oriental bathhouse, which operated until the middle of the 20th century, is included in the list of cultural heritage of Kazakhstan. Today, its interior decoration is only partially preserved, although restoration work was carried out in it.
It consists of 11 rooms. This is a unique combination of two styles: Roman baths and Turkish hammams. In addition, the architecture of this ancient structure reflects local traditions related to urban planning. Today, the bathtub is completely renovated and is a very interesting architectural monument, representing for tourists one of the most memorable sights of Taraz.
Tekturmas
The architectural complex is a copy of the ancient mausoleum, built during the X-XIV centuries. Before him at this place was a Zoroastrian ancient cemetery.
In Soviet times, the mausoleum was completely destroyed. The complex has been restored from preserved old photographs and today is a place of worship for Muslims, where the Sultan-Mahmud Khan is buried. Near the river flows. Talas.
"Monuments of Ancient Taraz"
The Museum-Reserve, which is a unique attraction of Taraz, was founded in 1979. There are many historical and cultural monuments (more than 100 objects).
The employees of this unique institution provide assistance in the restoration of structures and in the excavations carried out on the territory of this historical heritage.
Mausoleum of Babaji Khatun
A magnificent monument of architecture was erected in the 12th century. It is executed in the form of a cube. According to legend, Babaji Khatun is the keeper of the Aisha-Bibi mausoleum. That is why after death she was buried near the tomb of Aisha.
The mausoleum in its original form has been preserved. Its last restoration was carried out in 2002.
Finally
In addition to the above historical sights of Taraz, one can especially highlight the Abdykadir mosque, the Jaysan sanctuary, the Balasagun settlement and many other places that leave an indelible impression on any traveler.
Among natural attractions, one can distinguish the Koksay gorge (rare species of plants are valuable), the Shalsu-Taldyssu gorge (waterfalls, lakes, mountain rivers, rare animals, wonderful landscapes, and many others), Moyynkum dunes (the places are famous for sand dunes, unique hunting and fishing, crossings through deserts, etc.). All this is accessible to numerous tourists.