The Great Silk Road is a grandiose trade route that existed for about 17 centuries and unites most of the countries of the Eurasian continent. Over the course of several centuries, the trade highway expanded rapidly, leaving behind rich cities and settlements. In addition to caravans full of various goods and spices, pilgrims passed along the highway, spreading new ideas, and there was also a fusion of different cultures of peoples.
Kazakhstan, together with other countries of Central Asia, played a significant role in the development of the trade route and served as a kind of bridge connecting east and west. On the territory of Kazakhstan, it passed through such cities as Sairam, Turkestan (Yasy), Otrar, Taraz and then went to Central Asia.
Turkestan (Yasi)
City of Turkestan (Yasi) This is an ancient city with a history of more than 1500 years.
According to historical sources, Yasi was the administrative center of the Central Asian rulers. It was in Turkestan that significant ceremonies and meetings with ambassadors from different countries were held.
Today, many architectural monuments are represented here, such as Khoja Ahmed Yassavi, the Arystanbab mausoleum and other masterpieces of medieval architecture.
Otrar
Otrar was one of the largest trade centers on the Great Silk Road. Trade was active here, medicine developed and majestic mosques and madrasahs were built. It was here that the mausoleum of Arystan Babu was erected by order of the famous commander Amir Temur. This mausoleum has survived to this day and is visited by many tourists and pilgrims.
Taraz
Taraz was the largest medieval city on the territory of Kazakhstan. Since Taraz played an important role on the Great Silk Road, it was called the city of merchants. Trade was active here, all kinds of spices, silk, precious and jewelry were sold, minarets, mausoleums, caravanserais and other public and religious buildings were erected.
Burnt brick, terracotta and tiled slabs were widely used in construction. Many monuments such as Aisha-Bibi, Karakhana, Babaji Khatun have survived to this day.
Sairam (Ispidzhab)
The city of Sairam is considered one of the most ancient cities in Kazakhstan. It was built at the turn of the 9th-10th centuries and served as a transit point on the Silk Road.
This city was previously called “Ispidzhab” and was located at the intersection of two major caravan routes.
Due to its convenient location, many artisans and craftsmen lived and worked here, the city developed actively and there was a lively trade.
To date, the city of Sairam is literally an open-air monument that has preserved a large number of architectural monuments.
