Taraz city, Kazakhstan (Zhambyl)

The capital city of Zhambyl oblast.

Taraz overview

Taraz (formerly Talas, Zhambyl, Dzambul and Aulie-Ata) is a city and capital of Zhambyl oblast (southern Kazakhstan). Taraz city is located at the junction of Talas River and Turkestan-Siberian Railway. Taraz city is one of the oldest cities of Kazakhstan.

Taraz has the population of about 380,000 (2009).

The phone code is +7 7262; postal codes - 080000-080019.

Taraz city coat of arms

Taraz city coat of arms

Taraz city map, Kazakhstan


Taraz history

Taraz is standing on the site of ancient city of Taraz, which flourished as a stop along Silk Road from Europe to China until it was destroyed by Mongol armies in the 13th century.

A new town called Aulie-Ata was established on the site by the emirs of Kokand in the late 18th century. The fort and town were captured by Russians in 1864, and in 1938 the town was renamed after Kazakh poet Jam-bul Jabayev (Russian: Zhambyl Dzhabayev; 1846-1945).

Phosphorite ore which was found in nearest mountain Karatau predetermined development of phosphorite industry in the region. 3 chemical plants were constructed in the city at once.

The collapse of USSR destroyed all the industrial ties and these plants were in heavy crisis. Unemployment was high in the city. Recently all the plants have been almost restored.

On January 8th, 1997, by Kazakhstan President’s decree the city Zhambyl was renamed into Taraz. In autumn 2002 Taraz celebrated its 2,000th anniversary.

Present day Taraz city has large phosphate-processing works, a large power station, sugar, leather, and footwear factories and a wool-washing plant.

Taraz views

Taraz city view

Taraz city view

Author: Surash

Taraz city central part view

Taraz city central part view

Author: Rashid Sultanguzin

Taraz city, Kazakhstan view

Taraz city, Kazakhstan view

Author: Vorobyov Andrey


Taraz attractions

There are institutions for training teachers, food and light-industry technicians, and irrigation engineers in Taraz. The city also has a museum and two theaters.

Taraz city is a good place to stop for a day travelling between Tashkent and Almaty. There are number of nice mausoleums of 9-12th centuries inside and around Taraz city of Kazakhstan.

The 12th century Aishai-Bibi mausoleum is located 18 km west of Taraz city. It obtained the status of UNESCO-protected architectural monument because of picturesque fretwork, which covers the whole building.

The 11th century Babadja-Khatun is the only mausoleum in Central Asia with 16-rib umbrella shaped dome. Arabic note on the wall says: “The woman from the country of Babadji”.

Taraz city of Kazakhstan photos

Taraz sceneries

Taraz city railway station

Taraz city railway station

Author: Surash

Taraz city stadium view

Taraz city stadium view

Author: Starbaha

Taraz city entrance gate

Taraz city entrance gate

Author: Surash


Taraz places

Taraz city university

Taraz city university

Author: Rodion M.

Taraz city theater

Taraz city theater

Author: Rodion M.

Taraz city monument view

Taraz city monument view

Author: Vorobyov Andrey


Taraz attractions

Taraz city Aishai-Bibi mausoleum

Taraz city Aishai-Bibi mausoleum

Author: Jiri Planicka

Taraz city church

Taraz city church

Author: Surash

Taraz city, Kazakhstan mosque

Taraz city, Kazakhstan mosque

Author: Jevdet Polyakh


The questions of our visitors

Geir Arveng asks: I would like to know which animal is pictured in the Taraz Coat of Arms.
Expert's answer:
You can see a leopard on the coat of arms of Taraz.

The comments of our visitors

Jim Whitcomb, Buffalo, New York
Good Memories of My Visit to Taraz...

I spent a month in Taraz back in April and May of 2004, visiting some friends that I met on the internet. I had never been outside of the USA before, and it was a very special and fun time for me.

My friends were a Korean family who had lived most of their lives in Taraz, and I really enjoyed my time there. I loved the museum, the daily walks through the parks, the town square, and walking around all the many fountains.

The family had a very wonderful little 2-year-old daughter named Vika, who also made my visit there truly special. She loved the long walks and all the fountains too! I was only there for about 28 days, but it was a trip I will remember all of my life. Jim W.


Anna
Taraz, Kazakhstan
It looks like Taraz is totally transformed, since I was there as a child in the 1940's. At that time it was very different. Most of the new buildings must have been constructed after the Russians left. Thank you. Anna

natasha
Natasha
I am from Taras city I was little though the time i left so I don't really remember. However, that statue of a guy I remember=)))

Sponsored Links: