Shymkent, Kazakhstan, IN ONE DAY, 21 September 2023 I + Domalak Ana & Akmechet Cave!

Debates persist among historians regarding the age of Shymkent, but in 2019, UNESCO officially acknowledged its 2.200 year history, granting the city the prestigious title of "the most ancient city of Kazakhstan." Watch my other Kazakhstan videos:    • Kazakhstan | Kazajstán 🇰🇿   The Ancient settlement of Shymkent boasts a rich history spanning 2.200 years, yet for many years, a significant hill at its center remained overlooked by both authorities and locals. Unknown to many, this mound concealed an ancient settlement, complete with a citadel. Archaeologists unearthed ruins of the citadel, fortress walls, ramparts, shakhristan (a part of a town located outside a citadel), and remnants of towers. Excavations, reaching depths of 14 meters, revealed ceramic artifacts dating back to the late 3rd and early 2nd centuries BC, when the semi-nomadic Kangju tribes, descendants of the Scythians, inhabited the region. After the Kangju era, the Karakhanids, Timurids, and Kokands left their imprint on Shymkent. The South Kazakhstan Museum of History and Local Lore originated in the 1920s in Shymkent. Over the course of a century, the museum has undergone multiple name and location changes, evolving into one of the country's largest and most culturally significant institutions. The museum's primary mission is to offer a comprehensive exploration of Kazakhstan's history, guiding visitors from ancient nomadic civilizations through the medieval period under the leadership of khans. It covers pivotal moments in the country's history, including challenging times such as the Holodomor, political repressions, World War II, the struggle for independence, and the contemporary era, portraying Kazakhstan as a robust and developing state. The Shymkent Arboretum was opened in 1979, and since then, it has blossomed into a cherished and highly frequented destination among the city's residents. On Shymkent's map, it stands out as a green oasis. Hosting over 105,000 trees and approximately 30,000 plants, it is a haven of lush greenery. The arboretum is home to endangered species. "Domalak-Ana" Nurila, lived during the 7th century and is one of the legendary mothers of Kazakhs. Her mausoleum was constructed in 1456 and is today a sacred place. The Akmeshet Cave, also called the Baidibek Depression, is one of the largest limestone caves in Central Asia. The cave is located 80 kilometers north of Shymkent, and the mausoleum half way there. Music: Jean Dar - Looking at the Sky Album: Rays of Light https://www.jeandar.com