Shymkent, Kazakhstan

Welcome to Shymkent, a vibrant city located in southern Kazakhstan near the border with Uzbekistan. With a population of over one million people, Shymkent is the third-largest city in Kazakhstan and a regional cultural center. Its name comes from two Sogdian words, chim (meaning turf) and kent (or kand) (meaning city), thus it literally means the city in the grass/turf. Shymkent has a rich history dating back to the 12th century when it was founded as a caravanserai to protect a nearby Silk Road trade town, Sayram. The city has been destroyed several times throughout history, including by Genghis Khan and nomad attacks. Today, Shymkent is a hub for economic development in South Kazakhstan, with about 70 factories, plants, and other manufacturing companies in the area. The city is also known for its extreme diversity of vegetation, including trees like oak, elm, poplar, cannan maple, willow, chestnut, acacia, ailanthus, thuja, pine, and spruce. The city’s humid continental climate (Köppen Dsa) bordering on a Mediterranean climate (Csa) makes it a great destination to visit year-round. Shymkent is a major railroad junction in the Turkestan-Siberia Railway, and the Shymkent International Airport offers air connections to all major cities in Kazakhstan and international connections to Dubai, Moscow, and Istanbul. The city is also home to many industrial enterprises of non-ferrous metallurgy, mechanical engineering, chemical, oil refining, and food industries. Shymkent served as the Cultural Capital of the Commonwealth of Independent States in 2020, and there are many sightseeing opportunities in the city, including the Ordabasy Square, which has a monument called Zher-ana erected right in the center of the square. The monument has three faces with a height of 34 meters and famous quotes of the three wise Kazakh men. Come and explore the hidden gem of Shymkent, Kazakhstan, and discover why this enchanting destination should be on every traveler’s bucket list.