The Museum of Turkestan History

Turkestan’s museums can generally be grouped into two categories: the older, more authentic ones rooted in genuine historical foundations, and the newer, more visually captivating ones that have emerged with the city’s rise as a tourist hub. The Turkestan History Museum, housed in former late-19th-century barracks, belongs to the first category. Originally constructed to accommodate lower-ranking soldiers of the Turkestan Rifle Battalion’s first company, this building is a testament to the area’s rich past.

The museum hosts exhibits on the region’s history, including coins, pottery, and other artifacts unearthed at archaeological sites. Additionally, the museum provides insight into the famous Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum, complete with a scaled model of the landmark.

In the 1990s, an idea was proposed to transform this historic structure into a museum. By 1995, the “Azret Sultan” museum, in collaboration with the A.Kh. Margulan Institute of Archaeology, established the Turkestan Archaeological Expedition. The expedition’s goal was to explore medieval settlements in and around Turkestan, gathering materials for a future museum dedicated to the “History of Turkestan.” This historic barracks was selected as the museum site, and a comprehensive exhibition spanning eight rooms was prepared. The museum officially opened in time for Turkestan’s 1,500th anniversary celebration.

Today, the museum includes two main halls. The first hall explores the history of currency, displaying old and new coins and banknotes. While the information is presented solely in Kazakh, the displays nonetheless offer intriguing glimpses into Turkestan’s monetary heritage. The second hall showcases fascinating artifacts from the Yasawi Mausoleum, including bronze lamps dating back to the mausoleum’s construction under Amir Timur. These lamps feature intricate designs with animal figures—an unconventional motif in Islamic art, likely symbolizing a blend of Islamic and ancient Turkic nomadic traditions, which is a defining characteristic of the Yasawi Mausoleum.

At the center of one hall stands a replica of the throne likely used by Kazakh khans during the period when Turkestan served as the capital of the khanate. This exhibit offers visitors a rare glimpse into the city’s regal past, adding a unique dimension to the museum’s offerings.