Shymkent

Adjacent to the Citadel lies Orda Square, where a tri-sided stela called «Zher-Ana» rises in the center. At its peak stands a sculpture of a woman symbolizing Mother Earth. Three prominent streets extend from this square, each named after one of Kazakhstan’s revered historical judges: Tole Bi, Kazybek Bi, and Aiteke Bi. Running alongside Orda Square is the Koshkar-Ata River, which winds through the city. Its banks are ideal for strolling, with trees, lawns, sports facilities, and benches lining the river path.

In 2014, the village of Sairam, a trove of ancient relics, was incorporated into Shymkent. In medieval times, this area was known as Ispijab, a prominent Silk Road city and a key center for the spread of Islam in Central Asia. Today, the village is home to numerous mausoleums of Islamic preachers, including the graves of Ibrahim Ata and Karashash Ana, the parents of the revered mystic Khoja Ahmed Yasawi.

Entering Shymkent from the south, visitors are welcomed by a massive ship monument that shines with lights at night, symbolically signaling that the city is near. This is the sacred Kazygurt Mountain, and the monument—known as Keme Kalgan—is affectionately called «Noah’s Ark» by locals.

One of Shymkent’s most iconic landmarks is the towering Baydibek Bi Monument, standing at 23 meters and greeting those arriving from Almaty or Taraz. Located on the highest northern point of the city, the statue itself is 10 meters tall, with an additional 9 meters for the pedestal and 4 meters for the base mound. This grand monument is sometimes compared to Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer statue for its majestic presence. From this vantage point, one can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Shymkent. Baydibek Bi was a historical figure celebrated as a heroic warrior, military leader, and wise ruler.

Shymkent is also a paradise for food lovers, where hearty, delicious meals come at reasonable prices. The city boasts a dizzying number of cafes, restaurants, and street food spots, too many to count. The old town, especially in summer, radiates a charm reminiscent of Istanbul, with an atmosphere that feels like a boundless celebration of food.