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| Larger than all Western Europe, Kazakhstan is a vast country of steppes and mountains rich in natural beauty. For thousands of years it was also a natural bridge between East and West, with a northern spur of The Silk Road running through parts of southern Kazakhstan. Authorities are now aggressively marketing the country's tourism attractions. These range from winter sports such as skiing and snowmobiling, to warm weather activities like hiking, fishing and hunting, or more relaxed pastimes such as visiting a health spa.
Kazakhstan has many nationalities and ethnic groups, all contributing to a rich cultural melting pot. And it has been that way through the centuries. Archaeological finds from the Kazakh region where the northern route of The Silk Road ran show early trade ties with Europe, China and Persia.
Most of Kazakhstan's Silk Road sites are concentrated in an easily reached area of the country well served by transport from the capital, Almaty. |
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The Khodzha Akhmed Yassawi Mausoleum was erected in the 14th century where the poet and Sufi preacher of the same name was buried and became one of the most visited Islamic shrines in the world. Later rebuilt by Tamerlane, the complex of palaces and temples is among the largest in all Central Asia. The Ancient City of Otrar was at its height as a trade centre between Europe and China in the 10th to 12th centuries. Sacked and destroyed by the Mongols, it flourished again under Tamerlane. Remnants of the city's extensive citadels, forts, walls, gates and other large structures are still evident. The Tamgaly Rock Art Gallery boasts ancient pictures and drawings from the Bronze Age which depict the sun cult worship of the time. It began with sketches of animals made by nomads and later mounted warriors, archers and falcon-hunting scenes, leading up to Buddhist images in more recent times. In all, scholars estimate the work embraces 20 centuries of human culture. The Ancient City of Taraz is more than 2,000 years old and over the centuries grew into a vital commercial centre where gold, silver, bronze, silk, leather and other goods were traded. Excavations have shown Taraz' citizens enjoyed cobbled streets, plumbing systems and other luxuries. Nearby are located two UNESCO-protected ancient mausoleums. The Gold Man, now at the national museum in Almaty, was a young Saka prince discovered at the Issyk burial mound not far from the Kazakh capital, Almaty, in a grave untouched by looters. Dating from the 4th century BC, the tomb contained over 4,000 finely wrought golden relics, including a dagger depicting 21 animals. Betashir Burial Mounds Complex contains tombs dating from the 5th to 4th centuries BC. The Ancient Settlement of Isfidzhab-Sairam is an old city in southern Kazakhstan. Charyn River Canyons are the country's premier natural beauty spot. Relict Ashen Grove is another must-see nature spot. |
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