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Kazakhstan has a large surface area and there are many places to visit. Its size ranks ninth worldwide and is comparable to the total size of Western Europe.
Due to its size, Kazakhstan is divided into 14 regions. The population is about 20 million people. It has the best economy among the Turkic states as well as Central Asia.
Best Places to Visit Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is a country with many historical sites that are worth seeing. Throughout history, it has hosted a wide range of cultures.
Although there is no official religion in the country, 70% of the population is Muslim, 26% is Christian, 0.2% is Buddhist, and 0.1% adheres to other religious beliefs. Kazakhstan is officially bilingual (Kazakh and Russian). Russia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and China surround it. It does not share any borders with Mongolia. Although Almaty is the most well-known and largest city, Astana is the capital.
In 2019, the name Astana was changed to Nur Sultan. Due to the resignation of the first president, Nur Sultan Nazarbayev, this name was given in his honor. Kazakhstan, which retains the nomadic Turkish culture, is known as the country of travelers.
Kazakhstan was inhabited by Turks, Mongols, and Russians. With the influence of these cultures, there are many historical sites that should be visited. Kazakhstan has three significant cultural heritages on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
1. Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi
The tomb was built in the name of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a Turkish mystic, and began construction in 1389. The construction, which had been left unfinished after Timur’s death, was completed, albeit late, in 2000.
The materials for the building, which stands out with its rectangular shape and 38-meter height, were specially brought from various locations.
Every day between 09.00 and 18.00, you can visit the tomb.
2. Hazrat Sultan Mosque
Although it does not have a long history, it is the largest mosque in Central Asia. It is in the capital and was named after Hoca Ahmed Yesevi, also known as Hazrat Sultan.
3. Palace of Peace and Reconciliation
The Palace of Peace and Reconciliation was built as a symbol of this in Kazakhstan, where many people of different ethnic origins coexist. Doves represent 130 different nations and are depicted at the top of the pyramid. Astana University has a museum section, an opera hall, a winter garden, and 18 different places of worship in this structure.
4. Nur Astana Mosque
The white façade and golden dome of Kazakhstan’s largest mosque, Nur Astana Mosque, draw attention. The mosque’s height and length are Hz. It was determined by the age of Muhammad’s revelation and the age at which he died. The mosque building is 40 meters tall, and the minaret is 63 meters tall. We recommend that you go to the mosque, which has magnificent architecture and is one of the most popular spots in the city.
5. Tamgaly Petroglyphs
Figures such as humans, goats, and deer were discovered and drawn on rocks near Almaty, the majority of which date back to 3000 BC.
6. Korgalzhyn Biosphere Reserve
It is an ecological region protected as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve that is home to numerous bird species and other animals. In warm weather, it is possible to see most bird species. It is located near the capital, Astana.
7. Kyzylkum Desert
The Kyzylkum Desert, located in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, is one of the world’s largest deserts. It is also located between the Seyhun and Ceyhun rivers.
8. Zenkov Cathedrals
Zenkov Cathedral, one of the most beautiful works of Russian architecture, is one of the city’s must-see attractions. Zenkov Cathedral, the world’s only wooden cathedral, was constructed between 1904 and 1940. We recommend that you do not leave the city without seeing the Zenkov Cathedral, which is one of the city’s most interesting landmarks.
9. Charyn Canyon
Charyn Canyon is located in Kazakhstan’s Charyn National Park. The strait is 154 kilometers long and varies in depth from 150 to 300 meters. Despite its small size, the canyon has a staggering number of attractions and unique features. The Valley castles are a must-see on the excursion program. It is a concentrated area of amazing natural formations.
The most famous rock has the shape of a castle. Nature lovers will be pleasantly surprised by the canyon’s more than 1500 plants, approximately 80 animal species, and more than 100 bird species. It should be noted that many species of local flora and fauna are listed in Kazakhstan’s Red Book.
10. Central State Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan
It was founded in 1931 and is one of Kazakhstan’s largest museums. Kazakhstan’s historical and political artifacts are housed in archaeological finds discovered in the country. Except on Tuesdays, the museum in Almaty is open between 09:30 and 17:30.
11. Kok Bazaar
Almaty, Kazakhstan, is home to the Kok Bazaar. The market, which opened in 1875, was one of the most important commercial centers until the 1887 earthquake. The city and market area were rebuilt after the earthquake in 1927. Many products, including meat, vegetables, textiles, legumes, furniture, and spices, are sold in one section of the market.
12. Bayterek Tower
With a height of 105 meters, the Bayterek Tower in Almaty, Kazakhstan’s capital, is a monumental structure that can be seen from many points throughout the city. The building, which was constructed in 1997, stands 97 meters tall. The tower has so many numbers 97 because it represents the year Astana became the capital. When you visit the tower, you can take the elevator to the top and enjoy a spectacular view of Almaty from there. Every day of the week between 10:00 and 21:00, you can visit the tower.
13. Museum of Kazakh Folk Music Instruments
The Kazakh Folk Music Instruments Museum, which opened in 1980, is one of the places where musical instruments from Kazakhstan and other countries can be seen. Except on Mondays, you can visit the museum, which was built in 1908 with traditional Russian architecture.
