The ancient city of Sozak served as the first capital of the Kazakh Khanate from 1465 to 1469. It was the headquarters of Kerei and Janibek, the khans who founded the Kazakh Khanate.
Turkestan Settlement
In ancient times, Turkestan was known as Shavgar. This ancient city was located along the Great Silk Road, between the Karatau Mountains and the Syr Darya River. In those days, long caravans laden with goods and carrying jingling bells arrived in the city from both the East and the West.
Sauran Settlement
Sauran developed as a major trading centre in the 12th century. It is one of the medieval cities located approximately 30 kilometres northwest of Turkestan.
The settlement was surrounded by defensive walls about 6 metres high. It measured approximately 800 metres from northeast to southwest and 500 metres from northwest to southeast. The cultural layer reaches a height of about 2 metres. The earliest written references to Sauran appear in 10th-century sources.
Khankorgan Settlement
The Khankorgan settlement, located in Sairam District, dates from the 8th to the 18th century. It is situated in the village of Madeni, on the banks of the Arys River, near a small settlement where local residents lead a quiet, everyday life.
The ancient settlement of Khankorgan, a site of considerable historical significance, stands prominently in this area. Khankorgan served as one of Abylai Khan’s residences in southern Kazakhstan. Abylai Khan devoted his life to preserving the unity of the Kazakh people.
