A Guide to Must-Visit Attractions in Shymkent
Believed by many scientists to be at least 2,200 years old, Shymkent is steeped in history. This ancient heritage is evident in the city's numerous historical landmarks, attracting countless tourists yearly.
Shymkent is the sunniest city in Kazakhstan and enjoys about 300 clear days annually. This means that visitors rarely need to worry about bad weather spoiling their trip. To escape the heat, the city offers a vast arboretum, numerous squares, and water parks. In this article, we will highlight the must-see attractions in Shymkent, beginning with an exploration of its rich history.
Historical monuments and museums
The main historical landmark of Shymkent is the Old Town, also known as the Citadel. For many years, the Old Town appeared as an ordinary hill but archaeological excavations revealed a settlement dating back approximately 2,200 years. Despite its historical significance, the hill was once occupied by disorderly private housing and a bazaar.
Several years ago, city authorities decided to transform the ancient Citadel into a tourist attraction and continue the excavations. Inside, you can find a caravanserai and a houz (symmetrical axis pool). The towers, walls, residential structures, and dungeons of the Citadel have been meticulously restored to reflect historical accuracy. Visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the Old Town from the observation deck atop one of the towers.
Adjacent to the Citadel is Ordabasy Square, where the Zher-Ana stele stands at its center. At the top of the stele is a sculpture of a woman representing Mother Earth. Three prominent streets, Tole Bi, Kazybek Bi, and Aiteke Bi, radiate from the square. These bis were the rulers of the three juzes, the territorial divisions of the Kazakh Khanate.
The Koshkar Ata River flows near the square, meandering through the entire city. Walking along the riverbank is a pleasant experience, with the banks adorned with trees and lawns, and equipped with sports grounds and benches.
In 2014, the village of Sayram, a true treasure trove of antiquities, became part of Shymkent. In the Middle Ages, Sayram was known as Isfijab, a prominent city on the Silk Road and a vital center for the spread of Islam in Central Asia. This historical significance is reflected in the several mausoleums of Islamic preachers located here. Notably, Ibrahim Ata and Karashash Ana, the parents of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, are buried in Sayram. The mausoleum of Karashash Ana is situated in the heart of Sayram, while Ibrahim Ata's tomb can be found in the Muslim cemetery on the northern outskirts of the village.
Just a few hundred meters from the mausoleum of Karashash Ana stands the Sayram Mosque and the mausoleum of Mirali Baba. Additionally, the Minaret of Khyzyr, built in the 18th-19th centuries, rises in the center of Sayram. You can explore the history of Sayram at the local history museum, located across from Nauryz Park at 118/4 Ibragim Ata St.
The main museum of Shymkent, the South Kazakhstan Museum of Local History, is situated in the northern part of the city. Here, you can learn about the lives of ancient nomadic tribes, view archaeological finds, and discover intriguing information about the region's wildlife.
The Museum of Victims of Political Repression offers insights into the tragic chapters of the country’s history. It focuses on Josef Stalin’s campaign of mass political repression, which involved summary executions, imprisonment, and deportation of entire nations.
For something unique, visit Shymkent's Classic Car Museum, where you can admire American and Soviet cars from the 1930s to the 1970s. The vehicles are in excellent condition, and some are even available for purchase.
The Kyluet Ethnomuseum is a small yet fascinating museum created by ethnographer and potter Kendebay Karabdalov. He recreated national musical instruments and clay dishes by hand. The museum is situated 7 meters underground. Visitors can even participate in pottery workshops. Since the museum is somewhat removed from the city center, it's wise to call ahead to confirm the opening hours before planning your visit.
For those interested in traditional applied arts, the Altyn Orda art gallery showcases a variety of national treasures, including traditional clothing, carpets, pottery, felt paintings, and leather goods – all available for purchase.
In Victory Park, history enthusiasts can visit the Erlik Museum, which pays tribute to both World War II and the Soviet-Afghan War.
Parks
Shymkent boasts numerous parks that are perfect for a family outing or a leisurely stroll in the shade of the trees. The Arboretum is the standout choice, featuring over 105,000 trees and approximately 30,000 other plants. Visitors can also spot various animals, including roe deer, squirrels, hedgehogs, peacocks, and pheasants. The Arboretum is located on Baidibek Bi Avenue in the northern part of the city.
Directly across from the Arboretum is the Kasiret Memorial, situated on the site of mass executions that took place during the years of political persecution from 1937 to 1938. Each year on May 31, in remembrance of the victims of political repression, memorial events are held here.
Continuing along Baidibek Bi Avenue, you’ll find a zoo that houses a variety of fascinating animals, including the Amur leopard, Siberian tiger, lion, hippopotamus, giraffe, Himalayan bear, Tien Shan bear, and many others.
The zoo is bordered by Jailaukol Park, which features an artificial lake at its center where visitors can enjoy boating and catamaran rides. The park's main attraction is the Shymkent Altyn Eye Ferris wheel, the tallest in Central Asia. In addition, the park offers cafés, a labyrinth, net trampolines, and more.
Continuing along Baidibek Bi Avenue, adjacent to Jailaukol Park, is the Kazyna Ethno-Historical Complex. This park immerses visitors in the history of Kazakhstan. Its standout feature is the Baidibek Bi Monument. This is the tallest sculpture in the country standing at 23 meters (75 ft) including its pedestal. Perched on a hill, it appears even more imposing. High steps lead up to the monument, offering a stunning view of Shymkent. Within the Kazyna Ethno-Historical Complex, you'll also find a sculpture commemorating the 550th anniversary of the Kazakh Khanate and an alley of miniatures showcasing replicas of historical sites from Shymkent and the Turkistan region. To further explore the country’s history, visit the South Kazakhstan Museum of Local History, located right within the park.
The newly opened ShymCity Park, launched in 2024, is located next to the Kazyna Ethno-Historical Complex. This expansive park features a large lake, fountains, an amphitheater, and workout zones. Families will appreciate the excellent playgrounds, which include sand play areas and a special section designed for children with disabilities. For teenagers, there’s a skate park complete with a pump track, as well as basketball and volleyball courts.
Another popular amusement park is Fantasy World. It offers a variety of attractions, including a Ferris wheel, a massive pirate ship, go-karts, an upside-down house, shooting galleries, trampolines, and a children’s train. Additionally, a double-decker Red Bus departs from Fantasy World Park, taking visitors on a tour of the city’s key sights. The bus operates daily except on Mondays, with excursions starting at 8:00 PM.
Directly across from Fantasy World is the Fontan Water Park, while Shymkent Arbat Street (Beibitshilik Avenue) runs alongside the water park. The street is inspired by the Moscow Arbat, known for its street artists, souvenir stalls, cafés, and bars. Shymkent Arbat buzzes with energy and is beautifully illuminated by thousands of lights at night. During holidays, the area hosts public festivities that enhance its cheerful atmosphere.
Established in 1886, Central Park is the oldest park in the city. At its heart stands the Mass Grave Monument, a tribute to those who lost their lives during World War II. Nearby, the Alash Arystary sculpture commemorates the members of the Alash Orda Party, who advocated for Kazakhstan's independence even before the formation of the USSR.
One of the oldest parks in the city is Kenbaba Family Park, established in 1908. Today, the park offers more than just amusement grounds. Visitors can explore an art gallery, browse craft shops, play volleyball and basketball, join a chess club, or hit the tennis court. One of the park's main attractions is the ethnic park, where guests can immerse themselves in the life, culture, and traditions of various ethnic groups including Kazakhs, Uzbeks, Chechens, Russians, Chinese, Koreans, Uyghurs, Tatars, and Bashkirs.
Located between Ordabasy Square and the Old Town is Independence Park. Here, you’ll find the Shanyrak Monument, commemorating the 20th anniversary of Kazakhstan's independence. The shanyrak, the dome of a yurt, symbolizes the common home for all people living in Kazakhstan. However, the monument itself resembles a massive torch rather than a traditional shanyrak. The park also features a towering flagpole displaying the flag of Kazakhstan.
At the intersection of Jeltoksan and Baurjan Momyshuly streets lies Abay Park. It’s home to the Memorial of Glory, which honors the Shymkent soldiers who fought in World War II. Surrounding the memorial are tanks, anti-aircraft missile systems, artillery, fighter jets, and other military equipment. The park also features a monument to Abay Kunanbayev, an esteemed educator, poet, and the founder of Kazakh literature. While exploring Abay Park, be sure to visit the Museum of Fine Arts, located in the northern section of the park.
Adjacent to Abay Park is the Shymkent Circus, which features its own troupe and regularly hosts performances from visiting troupes from other cities and countries.
Youth Alley is a charming spot worth visiting. Although small, the park is cozy and centrally located, making it an ideal place to escape the heat. Near the park, you'll find the beautiful Tulip Fountain.
Victory Park, which opened in 1945, is dedicated to the victory in World War II. Within the park stands a monument honoring Sabir Rakhimov, a military leader and Hero of the Soviet Union.
In the old city center, you’ll find the Shamshi Park. Here, a monument pays tribute to Shamshi Kaldayakov, the composer behind Kazakhstan's national anthem. Nearby, the Alley of Stars features 48 plaques inscribed with the names of notable Kazakhstani artists, composers, and poets.
Theaters and concert halls
Shymkent is home to several theaters that stage plays in Kazakh and Russian. One of the most popular is the Kazakh Drama Theater named after Zh. Shanin. In 2014, the theater moved to a new building at 6 Nazarbayev Avenue, where a museum was also opened.
Near the Kazakh Drama Theater is the Turkistan Sarayi concert hall, a sleek, minimalist building that hosts symphonic music concerts, ballet performances, and shows by local singers.
In the old city center, you will find the Shymkent Russian Drama Theater, founded in 1929. This theater stages Russian and foreign classics, modern works, and children's fairy tales.
The Shymkent Opera and Ballet Theater offers performances of operas and ballets, symphony orchestra concerts, and classical music evenings.
Located near Kenbaba Family Park is the Puppet Theater, a historic building that was originally constructed in 1914 as the St. Nicholas Church. This makes it one of the oldest buildings in the city. Additionally, the Theater of Satire and Humor, situated near Central Park, is another notable cultural attraction worth exploring.
Religious buildings
Shymkent boasts several dozen mosques, each with its own unique story that could easily fill a separate article. However, we will only touch on a few of them here. One of the most prominent landmarks in the city is the Central Mosque of Shymkent. This snow-white building with its uniquely shaped dome, was constructed in 2013. Its dazzling whiteness earned it the nickname Ak-Meshit, which translates to "white mosque".
In the heart of the Old Town area lies the oldest mosque in Shymkent – the Jami Mosque, also known as Dauituly Shyngysbay Kazhy. This mosque is built in the iwan style, featuring an open terrace supported by columns. Jami Mosque is the only mosque of its kind in Kazakhstan.
In 2024, the Seitzhan Kari Eszhanuly Mosque opened in the Nursat microdistrict, the new administrative center of the city. As the largest mosque in Shymkent, it also includes a museum of Islam, a madrasah, a library, a congress hall, and even a fitness center. The mosque bears a resemblance to the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi.
Shymkent is known for its diverse population, with representatives of various religions coexisting harmoniously. The city features several Orthodox churches with St. Nicholas Cathedral being the primary church. The main Catholic church is the Shrine of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus.
Sports facilities
The main sports facility in Shymkent is the Kazhymukan Munaitpasov Stadium, which can accommodate 20,000 spectators and serves as the home stadium for the Ordabasy football club. It is located near Abay Park.
Surrounding the stadium are several additional sports facilities, including the Table Tennis Center, the Track and Field Sports Complex, the Central Water Sports Complex, the School of Higher Sports Mastery, and the Alaman Sports Complex.
Shopping malls and bazaars
The city’s largest shopping mall is Shymkent Plaza, featuring stores from Tommy Hilfiger, Nike, Pandora, United Colors of Benetton, Calvin Klein, Intimissimi, and more. Children will enjoy the Funky Town entertainment center located within the mall. Other popular shopping destinations include Mega Planet, Shymkent City Mall, and FIRKAN City.
Adjacent to the Mega Planet shopping mall is the Central Department Store. Built during the perestroika years (late 1980s), the building showcases Soviet constructivism. During a recent renovation, the facade was glazed, seamlessly integrating modern elements while preserving its original charm.
It is difficult to imagine a Central Asian city without its bustling bazaars, and Shymkent is no exception. The Upper Bazaar still retains the vibrant atmosphere reminiscent of the Silk Road era. Here, you can find national products, spices, vegetables, and fruits at reasonable prices. This market is centrally located next to Ordabasy Square.
For inexpensive clothes and shoes, the Avto-Nur market is a popular choice. For jewelry, locals recommend the Samal market, located near the bus station of the same name.
In the center of Sayram, near the Karashash Ana Mausoleum, you'll find the Nur-Sayram market. Adjacent to the market is a memorial honoring the soldiers of World War II.
This concludes our story about the fascinating places in Shymkent. This vibrant and multifaceted city offers a blend of history and modernity. From bustling bazaars and serene parks, Shymkent leaves unforgettable impressions and a desire to return. Come to Shymkent to discover even more of its secrets and wonders.
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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.