Taraz history

Taraz is one of the most ancient cities in Kazakhstan, with a history spanning over two millennia. Its emergence and development are inextricably linked to the Great Silk Road, on which it became a key commercial and cultural centre.

Foundation and First Mentions

According to archaeological data, the first settlements on the territory of modern Taraz appeared as early as the 6th–5th centuries BC, founded by the Saka and Wusun tribes. The first written mentions of the city, then known as Tolosa or Talas, are found in Greek and Byzantine sources dating back to 400 and 568 AD. In 568 AD, the Turkic Khagan Dizabul received ambassadors from Byzantium in the city to conclude an alliance. In 2002, the age of Taraz was officially recognised by UNESCO, and the city celebrated its 2,000th anniversary.

Key Factors of Development

The prosperity of Taraz was driven by several factors:

• Geographical Location: The city emerged on the banks of the fertile Talas (Taraz) River, at the crossroads of vital caravan routes. This made it a strategic point on the Great Silk Road connecting the East and the West.
• Trade: Taraz was deservedly called the "City of Merchants". The Chinese traveller Xuanzang noted in the 7th century that merchants from various countries traded in the city. On its bustling bazaars, one could find silk, spices, jewellery, and other goods from all over the world.
• Political Influence: In different eras, Taraz served as the capital of powerful states, including the Western Turkic Khaganate and later the Karakhanid State (10th–12th centuries), which contributed to its flourishing.

Cultural and Economic Features

Ancient Taraz was not only a trading hub but also a centre for craftsmanship. Archaeological excavations, which began in 2011, revealed to the world the remains of a citadel, mosques, bathhouses with underfloor heating systems, workshops, and residential quarters. Tens of thousands of artefacts were found, including unique ceramics, glass and metal items, and a hoard of gold. The city was also a centre of metallurgy, and local masters were renowned for their art of forging and casting. In the 10th and 11th centuries, Taraz operated its own mint. The diversity of religions, such as Zoroastrianism, Christianity, and Islam, testifies to the cultural exchange and religious tolerance that reigned in the city.

Chronology of Key Events

• VI-V centuries BC — The first settlements of Saka and Wusun tribes appear on the territory of the modern city.
• 568 AD — The city, known as Talas, is first mentioned in written sources in connection with the reception of Byzantine ambassadors at the headquarters of the Turkic Khagan.
• 751 — The famous Battle of Talas takes place near the city walls between the forces of the Abbasid Caliphate and Tang China, which halted the westward expansion of the Tang Empire.
• X-XII centuries — Taraz reaches its peak prosperity and becomes one of the capitals of the Karakhanid State.
• 1220 — The city offers resistance and is subsequently almost completely destroyed during the Mongol invasion.
• Early XIX century — Life is revived on the ruins of the ancient settlement within the Kokand Khanate, and the fortress of Aulie-Ata is built.
• 1864 — The Aulie-Ata fortress is taken by Russian troops under the command of Colonel Chernyaev and incorporated into the Russian Empire.
• 1938 — The city is renamed Zhambyl in honour of the famous Kazakh akyn (poet) Zhambyl Zhabayev.
• 1991 — After the dissolution of the USSR, the city becomes a regional centre of the independent Republic of Kazakhstan.
• 1997 — By the Decree of the President of Kazakhstan, the city is returned its historical name — Taraz.
• 2002 — Under the auspices of UNESCO, the official celebration of the 2,000th anniversary of Taraz takes place, confirming its ancient status.

Key Stages of Taraz's Development

The history of Taraz is a succession of eras of prosperity and decline, each leaving its mark on the city's appearance and economy. From a bustling hub on the Great Silk Road to a modern industrial and cultural centre, Taraz has travelled a long path of transformation.

• Centre of the Great Silk Road (V–XII centuries): Thanks to its strategic position, ancient Taraz became one of the most important trade, craft, and cultural hubs of Central Asia. The Chinese traveller Xuanzang described it as early as the 7th century as a "city of merchants", where lively trade in all kinds of goods was conducted. During this period, the city was the capital of several Turkic states, including the Karakhanid State, which contributed to its maximum flourishing.
• Revival in the XIX Century (Aulie-Ata): After being destroyed by the Mongols in the 13th century, the city fell into decay for several centuries. New life began in the 19th century with the construction of the Kokand fortress of Aulie-Ata. After joining the Russian Empire in 1864, urban development began: a new, "European" part of the city with straight streets was laid out, and it became an important centre for the livestock trade.
• Industrialisation in the Soviet Period (Zhambyl): In the 20th century, receiving the name Zhambyl, the city turned into a major industrial centre of the Kazakh SSR. The key direction was the chemical industry, based on the processing of phosphorites from the nearby Karatau basin. Industrial giants such as the superphosphate plant were built, leading to rapid population growth, the construction of new residential micro-districts, and the development of social infrastructure.
• Development in Independent Kazakhstan (Return of the name Taraz): After 1991 and the return of the historical name in 1997, the city faced economic difficulties but began a new stage of development. The main emphasis was placed on reviving historical heritage and developing tourism. A key project was the creation of the "Ancient Taraz" archaeological park on the site of the ancient settlement excavations, which opened in 2015. Today, the city is actively developing infrastructure and industry, positioning itself as an important tourist centre in the south of the country.

The architectural appearance of Taraz has been formed over two millennia, reflecting the change of eras, cultures, and ruling dynasties. Several key periods can be traced in the city, each leaving its unique mark on urban planning and building styles.

Medieval Architecture (X–XIII centuries)

The flourishing of Taraz occurred during the reign of the Karakhanid dynasty, when the city was one of the centres of the Great Silk Road. This period is characterised by monumental Islamic architecture. The main building material was fired brick, and figured masonry and carved terracotta with exquisite floral and geometric patterns were widely used in decoration. This style embodies the grandeur and artistic mastery of medieval architects.

• Karakhan Mausoleum (XI century): The tomb of one of the rulers of the Karakhanid dynasty is a striking example of the portal-domed structures of that era. Despite later reconstructions, elements of the original masonry have been preserved in its foundation.
• Aisha-Bibi and Babaji-Khatun Mausoleums (XI–XII centuries): Located in the vicinity of Taraz, these mausoleums are considered masterpieces of Central Asian architecture. The Aisha-Bibi Mausoleum is unique in that it is completely faced with carved terracotta tiles featuring more than 60 types of ornaments.

Architecture of the Russian Empire Period (Late XIX – Early XX century)

After becoming part of the Russian Empire, the city, then named Aulie-Ata, began to be built according to a new plan. Straight streets and European-type quarters appeared. During this period, the so-called "brick style", characteristic of many cities in Turkestan, dominated. Buildings were constructed from red brick, often with simple but functional decor.

• Kali Yunus Bathhouse (Late XIX century): An architectural monument combining Eastern bath traditions and the construction technologies of its time.
• Nametbay Mosque (Early XX century): Built with funds from a local merchant, the mosque is an example of religious architecture from the Aulie-Ata period.

Soviet Era (1930s – 1980s)

In Soviet times, the city, renamed Zhambyl, turned into a major industrial centre. Its architecture followed all-union trends. It was an era of mass standard development aimed at quickly providing housing for the growing population. The main styles were Soviet modernism and functionalism, characterised by strict geometric forms and a lack of decor.

• Standard Micro-districts: The city was actively built up with panel multi-storey buildings, which still make up a significant part of the housing stock today.
• Public Buildings: Landmark objects were built, such as the drama theatre and the "Zhambyl" hotel, reflecting the architectural trends of the 1960s.

Modern Kazakhstan (Since 1991)

After gaining independence and returning its historical name, Taraz entered a new stage of development. In modern architecture, there is a desire to synthesise the latest technologies with national motifs. Special attention is paid to the preservation and revival of historical heritage.

• "Ancient Taraz" Archaeological Park: Created on the site of the ancient settlement, this open-air complex has become the city's main tourist and cultural centre. Here one can see excavations of ancient structures, mosques, and workshops.
• "Hibatulla Tarazi" Central Mosque: One of the largest new religious facilities, which combines the canons of Islamic architecture with modern construction solutions.

Prominent Personalities Associated with Taraz

Throughout its two-thousand-year history, the land of Taraz has been the birthplace and place of activity for many outstanding scholars, poets, heroes, and artists. Their legacy is an integral part of the cultural and historical heritage not only of the city but of all Kazakhstan.

• Hibatulla at-Tarazi (XIII-XIV centuries) — A medieval scholar, theologian, and jurist. After receiving his education in Taraz, he continued his scientific activities in Damascus and Cairo, where he taught at the famous madrasah of Sultan Baibars. His works on Islamic law (Fiqh) and grammar made a significant contribution to the development of Muslim thought. The central mosque of modern Taraz is named in his honour.
• Muhammad Haidar Dughlat (1499–1551) — An outstanding historian, statesman, and poet. Although he was not born in Taraz, his life and work are closely connected with the region. His main work, "Tarikh-i Rashidi", is an invaluable source on the medieval history of Central Asia, including Taraz. The Taraz Regional University bears his name.
• Zhambyl Zhabayev (1846–1945) — A great Kazakh akyn and improvisational poet. Born in the Zhambyl region, he became one of the main symbols of Kazakh oral poetry of the 20th century. From 1938 to 1997, the city bore his name — Zhambyl, testifying to the deep respect for his work.
• Bauyrzhan Momyshuly (1910–1982) — A legendary military commander, Hero of the Soviet Union, participant in the Battle of Moscow, and a talented writer. He was born in the Zhualy district of the current Zhambyl region. His books "Moscow is Behind Us" and other works about the war became classics of military prose and raised more than one generation of patriots.
• Sherkhan Murtaza (1932–2018) — People's Writer of Kazakhstan, public figure, editor, and playwright. A native of the Zhambyl region, he made a huge contribution to the development of modern Kazakh literature and journalism. His works, such as the novel "Kyzyl Zhebe" ("The Red Arrow"), are dedicated to key figures and events in the history of Kazakhstan.
• Larisa Mondrus (born 1943) — A famous Soviet pop singer. She was born in Zhambyl (now Taraz) and became one of the most popular performers in the USSR in the 1960s. Her bright and artistic manner of performing hits such as "Blue Flax" and "Wake Up and Sing" captivated millions of listeners.
• Bakhtiyar Artayev (born 1983) — A renowned Kazakhstani boxer and 2004 Olympic Champion in Athens. He was born in Taraz and is one of the most titled athletes in the history of independent Kazakhstan. In addition to the gold medal, he was awarded the Val Barker Trophy as the most technical boxer of the Olympics. A Palace of Boxing is named after him in Taraz, and a mural is installed in his honour.