This historic city in southern Kazakhstan lies near the Talas Alatau mountains, with large fruit gardens and local wineries producing regional wines since ancient times.
Taraz, a city in southern Kazakhstan, has been a key Silk Road trading point for over 2000 years. You can examine terracotta tiles with geometric patterns at the 12th-century Aisha-Bibi Mausoleum, walk among mud-brick walls of the ancient settlement in the city center, or drive to the massive red sandstone blocks of Akyrtas palace. Local distilleries produce Taraz vodka, which has won several national awards for its quality.
Getting to Taraz
Trains from Almaty take 8-10 hours to reach Taraz, with departures from both Almaty stations. Buses run throughout the day from Almaty's Sairan station, including night services, with the journey taking about 7 hours. The city's international airport connects Taraz with Moscow, Astana, and other major cities.
Ancient Mausoleums
The Aisha-Bibi Mausoleum sits 18 km from the city center and dates back to the 11th or 12th century. The mausoleum's walls contain over 60 different geometric patterns and Arabic calligraphy carved into terracotta tiles. Next to it stands the Babadja-Khatun Mausoleum, crowned by a 16-segment dome with alternating ridges and valleys. The Karakhan Mausoleum in the city center, built for a local governor, aligns with Aisha-Bibi's tomb.
Archaeological Sites
The Ancient Settlement of Taraz occupies a park next to the Zhambyl Zhabayev monument. You can walk through excavated mud-brick structures dating from the 1st to 19th centuries AD. At Akyrtas, 45 km from Taraz, you'll find an 8th-century Arabian palace complex built from massive red sandstone blocks. The site includes remains of ceramic water pipes and a nearby military fortress.
Religious Buildings
Nametbai's Mosque from the 1860s remains the oldest surviving mosque in Taraz. Its prayer hall contains original wooden columns and carved ceiling beams. The 19th-century Abdykadyr mosque on Abay Street has a square prayer hall topped by a blue-tiled dome and flanked by two minarets.
Climate and Visiting
Taraz has a cold semi-arid climate with temperatures ranging from -3°C in January to 25.5°C in July. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) have mild temperatures ideal for exploring outdoor sites. The city experiences strong continental influences, so pack layers for significant day-night temperature changes.
Local Specialties
Several local distilleries produce Taraz vodka, which has earned multiple awards at Kazakhstan's national spirits competitions. The central bazaar sells locally forged metal items, continuing the city's centuries-old metalworking tradition. You'll find copper cookware, decorative items, and jewelry made by local craftsmen.
