Useful Information about Shymkent
Shymkent is often described with three words: delicious, sunny, and soulful. This southernmost metropolis of Kazakhstan enjoys bright sunshine 300 days a year. It’s often called a garden city with its abundance of parks, squares, and green spaces. Shymkent is also known for having the highest birth rate in the country, with the population reaching 1.2 million in 2023.
The city is famous for its delicious and affordable cuisine. Be sure to try traditional Uzbek pilaf, Uyghur lagman, and of course, Kazakh beshbarmak. Shymkent is also renowned for its lamb, beef, and chicken shashlik. Don't miss the opportunity to taste local tandoor samsa, crispy flatbreads, and achuchuk salad.
Hospitality is a core value for the people of Shymkent, and they always greet guests warmly. The Kazakh proverb "Konakty sozben toygyza almaysyn" (You can't feed a guest with just words) originated in the south. In Shymkent, you don’t need to know the hosts to be treated as a guest – generous tables are set for everyone. It's important to remember that hosts may feel slighted if a guest eats little or refuses food altogether.
Shymkent is the largest city in Kazakhstan by area, offering a wealth of attractions. The city is home to many parks, mosques, ancient mausoleums, and unique museums. Notable landmarks include the arboretum, the tallest monument in the country, and an ancient citadel. For an in-depth look at Shymkent's notable landmarks, be sure to read our article "A Guide to Must-Visit Attractions in Shymkent."
Brief history
Archaeological evidence shows that the area now known as Shymkent was first settled in the 11th-12th centuries. However, the city is officially considered to have been founded in 1365.
Shymkent’s position at the crossroads of caravan routes greatly contributed to its growth but also made it a prime target for conquerors. Throughout history, the city faced numerous invasions. In 1218, Genghis Khan dispatched a trade caravan to Otrar, a city near modern-day Shymkent. The local ruler, Kasym Khan, suspected espionage and attacked the traders. This event, known as the "Otrar Tragedy," led to the destruction of the city and the massacre of its inhabitants. The 18th century brought further challenges as Shymkent was repeatedly raided by the Dzungars. In response, the Kazakhs united in 1726 on Ordabasy Hill to defend against their aggressors. However, by 1864, resisting these incursions proved increasingly difficult, leading Shymkent to join the Russian Empire for protection.
During World War II, Shymkent, like many Kazakh cities, welcomed evacuated industrial enterprises from the war-torn regions. Tens of thousands of Shymkent residents served in the military, and seven were honored with the title of Hero of the Soviet Union.
In the post-war era, Shymkent saw significant development with the establishment of major industrial enterprises. The city expanded with new microdistricts, public utilities, parks, and recreational areas. In 2011, Shymkent was recognized by the International Assembly of Capitals and Large Cities (IAC) as the best city in the CIS region (post-Soviet states). The city's population reached one million in May 2018. Today, Shymkent is a vibrant, rapidly growing city with a rich history and a bright future.
Languages
As a bustling metropolis, Shymkent is a melting pot of cultures. It is home to Kazakhs, Russians, Uzbeks, Dungans, Uyghurs, Azerbaijanis, Chechens, Ukrainians, and many other ethnic groups.
Official statistics indicate that 93% of Shymkent's population speaks Kazakh, 87% speaks Russian, and 22% speaks English. However, in practice, you may find that English or even Russian is not always spoken. To navigate the city more easily, it’s helpful to learn some basic phrases in Kazakh. You can find a small English-Kazakh phrasebook here.
Transport
In Shymkent, bus fare is 70 tenge when paid with a Tolem transport card. If you don’t have a card, you can pay the driver directly, in which case the fare is 100 tenge. Be sure to take and keep the receipt if you pay in cash, as you’ll need it until the end of your trip.
You can purchase a Tolem card from bus drivers, any Zerde pharmacy, Gramad supermarkets, or various other stores. The card costs 500 tenge and has enough balance for one trip.
To pay with the Tolem card, simply tap it on the validator and wait for a green check mark to confirm the payment. Note that only one passenger can use a single card for payment.
Alternatively, you can pay via SMS. Find the 4-digit code displayed on the validator screen or on stickers inside the bus, then send it to 2222. You’ll receive a confirmation SMS in reply. During ticket inspections, show the inspector this confirmation message.
Mobile communications and Internet
In Shymkent, the same mobile operators are available as throughout Kazakhstan: Activ, Beeline, Tele2, and Altel. You can purchase SIM cards at official communication stores or large electronics retailers. When applying for a SIM card, you will need to present your passport.
Wi-Fi is widely available in many restaurants and cafes. You don’t need a local number to access the network – just ask the staff for the Wi-Fi password.
Safety tips
Shymkent is generally a safe city for tourists, but it’s wise to stay vigilant, especially at night and in less central areas. Be aware of pickpocketing and the occasional theft of items from cars. In crowded places, keep an eye on your belongings and store documents and money in the inside pocket of your jacket. Avoid displaying expensive gadgets or jewelry. In hotels, use safes to secure your valuables.
When calling a taxi, use ride-hailing apps where the fare is set automatically. Avoid unofficial taxi services, which often solicit customers at train stations and airports. Hailing taxis on the street may be unsafe too.
It’s also a good idea to steer clear of rallies and demonstrations.
For emergencies, you can contact the police or emergency services in Shymkent by dialing 102 or 112, which are free from all operators.
When is the best time to visit?
Shymkent is a year-round destination with generally mild winters, early spring warmth, and pleasant autumns. However, if you’re sensitive to heat, it’s best to avoid traveling in the summer, particularly in July, when temperatures can soar to +40°C (104°F). In 2015, a record high of +49°C (120°F) was recorded in Shymkent.
The tourist season in Shymkent starts in mid-April when the city's symbolic tulips begin to bloom. By May, the lakes warm up, and local beaches become popular. The warm weather continues through the end of September, and by late summer, the season for fresh vegetables and fruits begins, leading to lower prices.
Winter temperatures in Shymkent rarely fall below zero, though there can be occasional thaws up to +10°C (50°F) and cold snaps down to -15°C (5°F). This season attracts winter sports enthusiasts and those interested in winter fishing.
Social norms
In Shymkent, as in all of Kazakhstan, it’s important to follow general norms of behavior and morality. Show respect for the religion, traditions, and customs of everyone you encounter.
Kazakhstan does not have a strict dress code, but if you plan to visit mosques or mausoleums, it’s important to wear appropriate clothing. Men should avoid entering religious sites in shorts or T-shirts; arms and legs should be covered. You’ll also need to remove your shoes before entering a mosque, so wearing socks is recommended to avoid walking barefoot. Women should wear fully covered clothing, leaving only the face, hands, and feet visible, and should cover their heads with a scarf or shawl. If your clothing doesn’t meet these requirements, some mosques provide cloaks at the entrance.
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Shymkent, the third most populous city in Kazakhstan, boasts a history that spans 2200 years. The city, which was once a prominent stop along the Silk Road, has a rich historical heritage.