Ethnographic Park
The Ethnographic Park, situated in the city of Turkistan, offers a glimpse into the cultural traditions of the nomadic peoples of Kazakhstan. This park is an integral part of the Azret-Sultan historical and cultural reserve-museum.
The park is divided into two distinct sections. On one side, it features yurts, where visitors can explore the nomadic dwelling, learning about its internal and external structure, as well as its historical significance. On the other side, a street of artisans awaits, designed in a medieval style with straw and clay rectangular rooms boasting arched windows. Here, tourists can immerse themselves in traditional nomadic crafts such as carpet weaving, felting, woodworking, jewelry making, pottery, and more. A gastronomic zone offers a taste of national cuisine dishes.
The park also boasts a performance stage, an ancient well, alty-bakan swings, gazebos, a shooting range, replicas of ancient stoves, and other attractions. Located behind the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, the park provides a stunning panorama of ancient buildings, enhancing the medieval city atmosphere. Turkistan has long been revered as the spiritual capital of the Turkic world, drawing in thousands of visitors from around the globe.
How to get there?
Location: Turkistan, behind the mausoleum of H. A. Yasawi
You can reach the park by buses #1, 1a, 2, 2a, 5, 5a, 6, 7, 9, 9a, 10, 14, 15, 18, 30, and 31a. Disembark at the "Amphitheatre" bus stop.
Turkistan is easily accessible from various cities in Kazakhstan. From Shymkent, you can reach Turkistan by traveling 170 km (106 mi) along the E-38 highway. The journey takes approximately 2 hours.
If you are coming from Kyzylorda, you can get to Turkistan in just under 4 hours by taking the E-38 highway.
Traveling from Almaty to Turkistan by car along the A-2 highway is a longer journey, taking about 10 hours to cover the 833 km (518 mi) distance. Alternatively, you can opt for a direct flight to the Khazret Sultan Airport, which will get you to Turkistan in just 1.5 hours.
From Astana, the journey to Turkistan by car can take around 20 hours, depending on the route chosen (A-17 or M-36). However, flying directly from Astana to Turkistan is a quicker option, with flights available 6 times a week and taking about 2 hours.
Other tourist attractions near the Ethnographic Park:
- Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi
- Hilvet Underground Mosque
- Mausoleum of Rabiga Sultan Begim
- Mausoleum of Yesim Khan
- Park of M. Kashgari
- Uly Dala Eli Museum
- Ancient Settlement of Kultobe
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On request
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