Turkistan and Aksu-Jabagly Reserve Tour

Taraz is one of Kazakhstan's oldest cities, its ancient ruins concealed beneath the layers of a contemporary metropolis. Situated along the northern branch of the Silk Road, this location holds historical significance as the site of the Battle of Talas, the first and last military confrontation between Muslim Arab forces and Chinese imperial troops in AD 750-51. Following the victory of the Arabs, the Persian Samanids assumed control over the region. In Taraz, a large church was transformed into a mosque, and the ruler of Taraz embraced Islam. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of the Islamization of Central Asia.

Sairam, formerly known as Ispijab, stood as one of the prominent settlements along the historic Silk Road. Today, it exists as a district within Shymkent. Sairam holds significance as the birthplace of the renowned 12th-century educator, Khoja Ahmed Yasawi. The district is also home to the mausoleums of his parents, Ibrahim Ata and Karashash Ana.

Otrar is the birthplace and residence of the medieval philosopher and scientist Al Farabi (Alpharabius). In the late 13th century, the city faced complete destruction at the hands of Mongolian troops. Archaeological efforts have uncovered the remains of the citadel, the main gate, and the rabad. 

Turkistan was founded around 500 AD at the intersection of caravan routes from Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva to Northern Kazakhstan. The city was known as the spiritual and political hub for Turkic-speaking people. From the 16th to the 18th centuries, it functioned as the capital of the Kazakh Khanate. The city of Turkistan gained wide world fame due to the teachings of Khoja Ahmed Yassawi, the famous Sufi philosopher, who was buried here in a small mausoleum in 1166. The present mausoleum was erected 233 years after his death on orders of Emir Tamerlane. Today, it stands as a revered site for Muslims worldwide. 

The Aksu-Jabagly Nature Reserve is situated in the foothills of the Western Tien Shan Mountains, ranging from an altitude of 1000 to 4280 meters (3280-14000 ft) above sea level. Dominated by semi-deserts and dry grass steppes, the reserve serves as a habitat for a wealth of rare, endangered, and endemic species of animals and plants. Notable inhabitants include the Himalayan brown bear, Tien Shan argali, Indian crested porcupine, and Menzbier's marmot. While snow leopards are present, they are seldom encountered. The skies above are graced by bearded vultures, griffon vultures, and golden eagles. Stone slopes house rock partridges, while near the eternal snow, one can discover snowcocks. Indigenous flora encompasses Siever's apple, wild grape, and various wild tulip species.