History of Otrar

Otrar, known throughout history by various names such as Turar, Turarkent, and Farab, is rightfully regarded as one of the oldest cities in the region. References to it appear in written records dating back to before the 8th century. From the 8th to the 10th centuries, it bore the name Farab, which translates from Arabic as “a place of abundant water.”

This name reflected its unique location—fed by the Syr Darya, Arys, and numerous streams, the surrounding lands were nourished by these lifelines, allowing people to cultivate crops, raise livestock, and develop crafts. With these resources, the city prospered, becoming a vital center at the crossroads of trade routes.

By the 9th–10th centuries, Otrar had emerged as a significant hub along the Great Silk Road, linking China with Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Here, on the city’s bustling streets, merchants, scholars, and artisans converged, exchanging not only goods but also ideas, the latest news, and cultural traditions.

The flourishing trade led Otrar to mint its own coins, including gold ones, and its markets overflowed with goods from China, Persia, and Europe. Cultural exchange nourished the growth of science and education, while new religious teachings, like Islam, began to spread through the region in the 9th–10th centuries.

With the rise of scholarship and education, Otrar became home to numerous renowned scholars, most notably Abu Nasr al-Farabi. This philosopher, polymath, and thinker expanded the horizons of logic, mathematics, music, and political philosophy, establishing intellectual foundations that influenced generations of scholars.

Al-Farabi’s work cemented Otrar as an intellectual and spiritual center of Central Asia, leaving a profound legacy that became a symbol of the region’s cultural flourishing.

Otrar was a classic medieval eastern city divided into three main parts: the citadel, the shahristan, and the rabat. The innermost area, the citadel, was fortified with powerful walls, whose remnants continue to captivate archaeologists today. Historical records indicate that the city had three main gates: the Jarakty, the Northern Gate, and the Sopikhan Gate. These fortifications served not only as defenses but also as symbols of the region’s cultural heritage. The preserved Jarakty Gate, built before the Mongol invasion and later restored, speaks to the resilience and longevity of Otrar’s architectural culture.

In addition to these defenses, Otrar featured urban reservoirs, wells, and tunnels for water supply. This sophisticated network of underground pipes distributed water to various areas, while the many wells, constructed as early as the 9th–10th centuries, testify to the city’s thoughtful approach to sustaining life.

The year 1219 marked a tragic turning point for Otrar, a city then thriving at the intersection of trade and cultural exchange. Historians believe that the murder of Mongol envoys, who had come on a trade mission at the behest of Genghis Khan, incited the wrath of the Mongol ruler. Acting on the orders of the Khwarazm Shah Muhammad II, the local ruler of Otrar executed the envoys and sent their valuable goods to the capital of Khwarazm. This action proved disastrous, as Genghis Khan viewed the killing of his emissaries as an unforgivable insult demanding immediate retribution.

Genghis Khan dispatched his eldest son, Jochi, to lead Mongol forces to besiege Otrar. Months of unrelenting siege wore down the city, but despite continuous attacks, the fortress walls endured—until betrayal by a city official opened a pathway for the Mongols. Once seized, Otrar faced brutal destruction, with most of its inhabitants slaughtered.

Yet, the city’s story did not end there. By the 14th century, under the protection of the great conqueror Timur, Otrar began to revive. Timur recognized its strategic importance and envisioned it as part of his empire. In 1405, he himself stopped in Otrar to prepare for his grand campaign into China.

Berdibek Palace in Otrar, the residence of Timur’s ally and staunch supporter, was one of the city’s most studied fortifications, yielding unique artifacts. Among these finds were chess pieces, porcelain used by the Chinese imperial family, and golden caskets—all testifying to the palace’s high status as the ruler’s residence.

Legend has it that Timur held military councils here, strategizing for his famed campaign to China. On the night before his departure, a severe cold spell swept through, and to show his warriors his determination despite the harsh conditions, Timur shaved his head as a symbol of readiness. However, he soon fell ill and passed away, unable to embark on the campaign.

By the 15th century, with the Silk Road losing its importance, Otrar’s vigor also waned. Caravans began to bypass the city, favoring new maritime routes. Drought and climate change dried up rivers, depriving locals of their accustomed sources of sustenance and income.

Otrar also suffered from endless internal strife following Timur’s death. By the beginning of the 15th century, sieges and fires had severely damaged its citadel, turning once-grand structures to ruins. The cities along the Syr Darya became recurring targets for invaders.

In the 18th century, Otrar’s last inhabitants abandoned the city, escaping from Dzungar raids and relentless drought. The city, now known as Otrar, remained lonely under the sands, preserving its memory of glory and resilience, defying the passage of time.

Otrar has captivated archaeologists for over a century, revealing numerous secrets over the years. Archaeological research has shed light on its architecture, crafts, and daily life, making it a priceless source of knowledge about medieval Central Asia.

Interest in the Otrar site emerged in the 19th century when Russian archaeologist Nikolai Veselovsky conducted initial excavations in southern Kazakhstan. Systematic research, however, only began in 1969 with scholars like Kemal Akishev and Karl Baipakov.

Excavations have uncovered architectural elements such as city walls, mosques, a 13th-century bathhouse, and pottery workshops. Researchers have also discovered remnants of minting facilities, attesting to the city’s thriving trade and economy.

Large-scale archaeological efforts since 2000, made possible through cooperation between Kazakhstan and UNESCO, led to a conservation and restoration program. International experts from Japan, Belgium, Italy, and other nations collaborated with Kazakh archaeologists to restore the mosque, Berdibek Palace, portions of the fortress wall, and other structures. Ancient gates like Jarakty and Sopikhan, along with the city’s water supply systems, including wells and reservoirs, were also restored. This initiative not only preserved Otrar’s unique monuments but made them accessible for visitors.

Among the discoveries are numerous artifacts illuminating the daily lives and culture of Otrar’s inhabitants, including ivory chess pieces, golden caskets, ceramics, and porcelain crafted for Chinese emperors. These items underscore Otrar’s high standing as a center of trade and culture.

In addition, countless ceramic items, metal tools, and jewelry have helped reconstruct the ancient city’s appearance and understand its significance in regional history.