Editor’s Note: The Astana Times continues its series of articles, Exploring Kazakhstan, City by City, in the marvelous city of Kyzylorda. We are setting out to unveil the rich diversity of cities to bring you closer to the heart and soul of Kazakhstan. ASTANA – Kyzylorda, once the Soviet capital of Kazakhstan, has transformed into a vibrant city, connecting travelers to the region’s ancient city sites, sacred mausoleums, and the iconic Baikonur spaceport.
Kyzylorda presidential park. Photo credit: qorda.kz Click to see the map in full size.
The map is designed by The Astana Times. Spread on the banks of the Syr Darya River, bordering the Kyzylkum desert in the southeast and Aryskum sands in the north, Kyzylorda makes a push to increase inbound tourism. This article takes a look at its top destinations – from ancient cities nearby to the world’s oldest cosmodrome, Baikonur .
Brief history of the former capital city One version of the city’s origins suggests it was established in 1817 during the Kokand Khanate as the first fortress, or kurgan , along the Syr Darya River. Due to the distinctive white brick used in its mosque’s interior, the fortress was named Akmeshit, meaning white mosque. During its time as the capital, Kyzylorda saw the establishment of secondary and specialized educational institutions and research institutes.
Photo credit: kyzylorda-news.kz In 1853, Russian forces led by General Perovsky captured the fortress from Kokand defenders under Yakub-.