Silk Road and Kazakhstan

In the 2nd century BCE, the story of the Great Silk Road began in the small Chinese city of Xi’an. This caravan route connected East Asia with Mediterranean countries, serving as a vital trade artery. At that time, the route was not yet referred to as the “Silk Road”; this term was introduced by the German geographer and traveler Ferdinand von Richthofen in the 19th century.

Originally, this caravan highway facilitated the exchange of silk for jade, jadeite, and Arabian horses. As the network of roads expanded, silk was traded for wine, fodder crops, fruits, spices, and more. Additionally, China engaged in trade involving rice, tea, porcelain, lacquerware, and metal utensils. Animals were also traded along the Silk Road, including horses, dogs, leopards, and lions.

The decline of this significant route was aided by the rise of maritime trade. Water transport proved to be cheaper and significantly faster. By the early 15th century, shipping became increasingly popular, leading to the eventual decline of the Great Silk Road. However, in some mountainous regions of Asia, it continued to function until the 20th century.

For centuries, the Great Silk Road profoundly influenced the world. The exchange of goods, ideas, and technologies fostered multiculturalism and the spread of philosophy, religion, art, and architecture. Technical and scientific knowledge also flowed along the Silk Road, with inventions such as paper, gunpowder, the compass, and many other innovations emerging from this exchange.

Moreover, the Silk Road facilitated the establishment of diplomatic and political ties between various states and cultures, contributing to the strengthening of peace and cooperation among peoples. However, competition for influence along the Silk Road occasionally led to conflicts and wars.

Kazakhstan played a significant role in this network of trade routes, with part of the Great Silk Road traversing the Semirechye region and southern Kazakhstan. The vast expanses of this country witnessed the birth of the first taxation and customs systems. To pass through this section of the route, Chinese merchants had to pay local rulers with coins or goods.

The Semirechye segment of the Silk Road remained active until the 14th century, when its significance waned, and internal strife and wars devastated the cities. A brief resurgence occurred in the mid-13th century when trade and diplomatic missions traveled along the route to Karakorum, the capital of the Mongol Empire.

The main cities of Kazakhstan along the Silk Road included Otrar, Sayram (Isfidzhab), Taraz, Balasagun, and Yassi (Turkestan). These cities served as crucial stops for caravans heading towards Central Asia, Persia, the Caucasus, and beyond to European countries. Initially, they were merely resting points for caravans, but over time, they blossomed into bustling trade hubs. The remnants of their former glory can still be witnessed today.

Taraz is one of the oldest cities in Kazakhstan, still thriving today. Historical records refer to Taraz as a city of merchants, and it served as the capital for the Turgish, Karakhanids, and other Turkic empires. In October 2022, Taraz officially joined the global list of craftsman cities.

The city boasts well-preserved caravanserais, artisan workshops, storage facilities, and merchants’ shops. Among the significant attractions from the era of the Great Silk Road are the mausoleums of Karakhan, Aisha-Bibi, and Babaji-Khatun.

Turkestan is a city with a history of over 1,500 years and was once the capital of the Kazakh Khanate. Today, it is regarded as the spiritual capital of the Turkic world, being the birthplace of Sufism, a mystical, ascetic, and philosophical teaching. Turkestan remains a site of active pilgrimage, largely due to Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, the Sufi saint interred in the city.

The mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi is the main attraction in Turkestan. Built in the 14th century on the orders of Emir Timur, it stands as a masterpiece of medieval architecture.

The city of Otrar is the birthplace of the renowned Eastern mathematician, scholar, and philosopher Al-Farabi. Otrar has been razed to the ground multiple times by foreign invasions, yet it rebuilt itself each time. Ultimately, it ceased to exist in the 19th century, transforming into an archaeological site where excavations are ongoing.

The city of Shymkent recently celebrated its 2,200-year anniversary. The city’s core has survived through the ages, now featuring the Shymqala historical and cultural complex, an open-air museum.

Modern-day Shymkent encompasses the ancient site of Sayram (Isfidzhab), where remnants of the Silk Road era include gates and several mausoleums and minarets. In the Middle Ages, Sayram hosted a slave market, and interestingly, a market still operates in the area today—though the trade now involves different goods.

Many overlook that the ancient city of Almaty also once welcomed trading caravans. Almaty began developing during the Middle Ages when various tribes transitioned to settled lifestyles and honed their crafts. Under the rule of the Saka and Uysun tribes, Almaty emerged as a center of education.

The ideal times to visit Kazakhstan are in spring and autumn. While summer is also a peak season, the southern regions can experience extreme heat during this time. As demand for hotels and service professionals rises during peak seasons, travelers may find themselves paying higher prices for subpar accommodations, guides, or transportation. Winter travel is generally not advisable, as many outdoor attractions may be closed.

As most travelers arrive in Astana or Almaty, here’s how to reach the cities along the Great Silk Road.

Shymkent: Traveling from Astana to Shymkent can be done by train; however, given the vast size of the country, this method can be time-consuming. The journey can take anywhere from 18 hours to a full day, depending on the train.

Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to navigate Kazakhstan. For instance, a flight from Astana to Shymkent takes just one and a half hours. Interestingly, airfares are not always higher than train ticket prices.

You can also reach Shymkent from Almaty by train, plane, or bus.

The ancient city of Sayram has recently been incorporated into Shymkent, becoming one of its neighborhoods. You can get there by city bus or taxi.

Turkestan: Direct flights from Almaty and Astana are available to Turkestan. Recently, a new modern airport opened in the city. It is also accessible by train, and the Turkestan train station, an architectural monument from the early 20th century, is worth visiting. Turkestan is located not far from Shymkent, with a drive taking just a couple of hours.

Otrar: You can only reach Otrar by car, as it is situated 60 kilometers from Turkestan and 150 kilometers from Shymkent. Near Otrar is the mausoleum of Arystan-baba, a significant site worth visiting—dedicated to the teacher and spiritual mentor of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi.

Taraz: Trains traveling from Almaty and Astana to Taraz are the same routes heading to Shymkent, and there are also direct flights available. For example, a flight from Almaty to Taraz takes just one hour. Taraz is relatively close to Shymkent, and a drive will take about three hours.

Local Customs and Considerations

When visiting these ancient cities, it is essential to show respect for local sacred sites and religious structures. For instance, avoid entering mosques or holy places while wearing shoes or overly revealing clothing. Women should cover their heads and necks, and it is wise to confirm whether women are permitted access to all areas of the religious site before visiting.