Turkestan - the city

Turkestan, Türkestan, or Türkistan is not only the name of a region in Kazakhstan; it is also the name of the capital of this area. I was able to visit it yesterday, Saturday, in the company of Royintan, Chadra's husband, in intense heat.

Turkestan is a magnet for tourism. Visiting the mausoleum of Khoja Yasawi is akin to a pilgrimage to Mecca. Yasawi, who lived in the 12th century, is considered an important representative of Sufism. Anyone who visits his mausoleum three times does not need to undertake the obligatory Hajj (pilgrimage) to Mecca.

The images I show depict the wealth of Kazakhstan. Aside from the historical mausoleums (of which there are several), the buildings displayed are no older than six years. One should see and marvel at the well-maintained grounds.