Turkestan

Turkistan banner Ahmed Yasavi Tomb - Detail from the façade of the tomb of Ahmed Yasavi {{Cautionbox|For the ancient region known as Turkestan, see Central Asia.]]

Turkestan (Kazakh phrasebook|Kazakh: Түркістан Türkistan) is a small but ancient city in the Kazakh Desert. Kazakhstan largely lacks the kinds of Central Asian historical towns that make Uzbekistan a popular travel destination, but the exception is this one, relatively well preserved, 1600-year-old city. In the 11th century AD and the great Sufi Sheikh Khoja Ahmad Yasavi turned the city into the region's principal centre of learning, drawing scholars from across the steppe. In the late 14th century, Timur commissioned the creation of a massive mausoleum in his honour, which is to this day Kazakhstan's most prominent historical attraction, a major Muslim pilgrimage site, and a [UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Turkestan Halal Travel Guide

Although historically part of the Kazakh Khanate, Turkestan is mainly populated by ethnic Uzbeks.

Both due to Khoja Ahmad Yasavi's highly revered status among Turkic Muslims and the Soviet Union|Soviet-era restrictions on international travel, Soviet Muslims have for long considered the city "the Second Mecca of the East", and have believed that a visit to Yasavi's mausoleum is equal to the Hajj to Mecca.

Travel as a Muslim to Turkestan

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Turkestan

The nearest airport is in Shymkent, from where you can take quite frequent shuttle vanes (costing about US$ 2), trains or taxis.

By rail

There are also train connections available from Almaty and the Uzbek capital of Tashkent. The border crossing on the latter line takes place around midnight, and speaking one of the local languages or Russian will certainly help in communicating with the officials.

By minivan

From Shymkent Tauke Khan, take bus #26 to Bekzhan Bazaar (Бекжан). With the blue/orange Bazaar building to your right, go past a yurt. Go through a vehicle park and a building with parking underneath. You can also use the smell of samsa to help guide you. The minivans are parked across from the Toyota and Hyundai dealership.There should be men yelling out their destinations as they stand next to their vans. Drivers go when the van is full. There will also be signs on the van with its destination on the windshield. The trip will take about 2 hours and will drop you off at Merey (мерей) bus station in Turkestan. It's also feasible to be dropped off near the Yasawi mausoleum. The cost to Turkestan is 700 tenge to/from Shymkent in a 20-passenger minivan (as of September 2017).

From Shymkent Tauke Khan, you can also take bus #93 to Samal Bazaar. Walk across Samal Bazaar to Samal bus station and there are shuttle van to Turkestan. The cost is 800 tenge if you take the shuttle van from Samal Bazaar to Turkestan.

How to get around in Turkestan

Public transport in Turkestan is by shuttle van or taxi. Minibus 1 or 1A go from Mausoleum to Merek bus station. The cost is 40 tenge (September 2017).

What to see in Turkestan

Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasavi in Turkestan, Kazakhstan - Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi

• Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi - Мавзолей Ходжи Ахмеда Ясави | Commissioned in 1389 for the 12th century Sufi poet and mystic Khoja Ahmed Yasawi but never finished. This mausoleum is nevertheless a major tourist destinations for pilgrimages from across Central Asia and has come to epitomize the Kazakh national identity.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Turkestan

Turkestan - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Turkestan, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Turkestan. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Turkestan and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Turkestan. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Turkestan. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inTurkestan: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Turkestan.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Turkestan: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Turkestan, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Turkestan.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Turkestan, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Turkestan, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Turkestan and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Turkestan, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Turkestan, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Turkestan without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Turkestan is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Turkestan.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Turkestan is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Turkestan, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Turkestan Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

To be updated

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