Turkestan - is a city in the south of Kazakhstan, located near the Syr Darya River. Since June 19, 2018, it has been the administrative center of the Turkestan region. One of the oldest cities in Kazakhstan. It is located 160 km northwest of Shymkent. The population of the city is 218,331 people.
In the Middle Ages, the city of Yassy (Turkestan) was a fortress city. The new name of Turkestan dates back to the 15th century. XVI-XVIII centuries Turkestan became the capital of the Kazakh Khanate. In the twentieth century, it became a major center of industry, education and culture, a center for domestic and foreign tourism. The city has 13 industrial facilities, as well as livestock and crop production. The city is a major regional trading center, the city has a large market.
The sights of Turkestan are included in the UNESCO heritage and are an object of pilgrimage for many people. Turkestan is famous for its holy places, which are equated with a pilgrimage to Mecca for Muslims. These are the mausoleum of Arystan Baba, the mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, the mausoleum of Gaukhar Ana, the mausoleum of Ukash Ata, the mausoleum of Domalak ana, the Otrar oasis, Khilvet and others.
There are 2 universities in the Turkestan region, where 1076 foreign students study.