Taraz is one of the oldest cities in Kazakhstan and the administrative center of the Zhambyl Region. It lies on a flat plain in the Talas River valley in southern Kazakhstan. The Western Tien Shan Mountains rise to the south, while the Karatau Mountains stretch out to the west.
A Brief History
Taraz plays a key role in understanding the heritage of the Turkic world and the culture of the Silk Road. Around 1,500 historical monuments are associated with the city, including mausoleums, ancient mosques, medieval baths, balbals (stone statues of early Turkic tribes), a caravanserai, and monuments to prominent historical figures.
The city is first mentioned in the travel notes of the Byzantine ambassador Zimarchus, who visited Taraz in 568. At that time, it served as the headquarters of the Western Turkic Khagan, Dizabul. Historical records describe Taraz as a densely built city filled with gardens and equipped with its own mint. It was known for its advanced ceramic irrigation system and lively bazaars that traded goods from across the known world.
Ancient Taraz was a major commercial hub. Livestock from the steppe, including sheep, camels, and horses, arrived at its markets. Traders also sold furs, hides, textiles, leather, grain, fruit, and even weapons.
Taraz was also a multilingual city. Alongside Turkic languages, Arabic, Persian, and Hindi were spoken here.
The city’s architecture reflects the development of urban culture in the steppe. Many surviving structures share a common feature: domed forms. These echo the shape of traditional yurts and reflect the spread of Islam in the region between the 10th and 12th centuries.
The history of ancient Taraz came to a dramatic end after repeated wars left the city devastated and abandoned. Yet its story did not disappear. Today, traces of this once-great Silk Road city remain hidden beneath modern streets.
A City of Many Names
Over the centuries, Taraz has gone by several names. In 1856, it became known as Aulie Ata. From 1936 to 1938, the city was briefly renamed Mirzoyan, after the First Secretary of the Central Committee of the All-Union Communist Party (Bolsheviks), who was later repressed. In 1938, the city was renamed Jambul. Finally, in 1997, it regained its historical name, Taraz.
Climate and Population
Taraz sits at the crossroads of deserts and mountains, which gives the city a sharply continental climate. Summers are hot, with average July temperatures around 25 °C (77 °F), while winters are relatively cold. January is the coldest month, with average temperatures of about −3 °C (26 °F).
As of 2025, Taraz is the sixth-largest city in Kazakhstan, with a population of approximately 436,000 people. Kazakhs form the majority at around 80%, followed by Uzbeks (7.2%), Russians (6.5%), Koreans (1.2%), and representatives of other ethnic groups.
Why Visit Taraz
With its deep historical roots, Taraz is steadily gaining attention as a travel destination. Recent studies place it among the top five most visited cities in Kazakhstan. And for good reason. The city offers a rich mix of archaeology, architecture, and living history.
One of the highlights is the Ancient Taraz Archaeological Park and Museum, a large complex that brings the medieval city back to life. Landmarks such as the Karakhan and Dautbek mausoleums, the Kali Yunus bathhouse, and the Tekturmas mausoleum offer a closer look at Taraz’s layered past. For a detailed overview of these sites and more, see the article “A Guide to Must-Visit Attractions in Taraz.”