Turkistan Region

Turkistan Region is the southernmost region of Kazakhstan. Population: 2,469,367 (2009). Its capital is Turkistan. Other cities in South Kazakhstan include Sayram, Kentau, Arys, Shardara, Zhetisay, Saryagash, and Lenger. This region and Atyrau Region are Kazakhstan's two smallest regions; both are about 117,300 square kilometers in area. South Kazakhstan borders the neighboring country of Uzbekistan (and is very near the Uzbekistan capital Tashkent), as well as three other Kazakhstan regions: Karaganda Region (to the north), Kyzylorda Region (to the west), and Jambyl Region (to the east). The Syr Darya passes through the region, on its way to the Aral Sea. Also, an oil pipeline runs from Turkmenabat, Turkmenistan to Omsk, Russia (where it connects with a larger, Siberian pipeline) through South Kazakhstan. Oil, lead and zinc are refined in Shymkent.

The Region was originally formed in the Kazakh SSR within the Soviet Union by the name South Kazakhstan Oblast. In 1962, it was renamed Chimkent Oblast, but this only lasted until 1992, when it was changed back to the old name. In 2018, it was changed to Turkistan Oblast, which is the current name.

The administrative center of the region was Shymkent until 19 June 2018, when it was taken out of the region and subordinated directly to the central government. The administrative center was moved to Turkistan, and the region renamed Turkistan Region.

Languages

Main languages are Kazakh, Russian (including as means of international dialogue) and Uzbek.

History

Historically speaking, South Kazakhstan Region is home to Kazakhstan's oldest and greatest marvels. Two thousand years ago it was part of the northern border of the Persian Empire. It owes its long history of habitation to a mixing of Persian culture and science with the native Turkic/Mongol tribal clans. South Kazakhstan Region was part of the Satrap of Sogdiana.

Some places of historical interest include the cities of Turkestan, Otrar and Sayram. Sayram was the birthplace of Ahmed Yasavi (1103–66), a great Sufic scholar and author that lived and worked throughout Central Asia. He is entombed in a mausoleum complex that stands in present-day Turkestan, and which has been named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It was commissioned by Amir Temur (Tamerlane) to increase his standing among the area. The mausoleum was built by Persian masters, though it was left unfinished with the death of Tamerlane. The original scaffolding that would have been used to apply the colored-tile still protrudes from the front entrance.

Investment potential

The volume of investments in fixed capital for January-December 2019 was 441.3 billion tenge (2018 - 314 billion tenge) with an increase of 38.5% (Republic of Kazakhstan - 8.5%). According to the sources of investments financing, the main share is accounted for private investments - 45.1 %, republican and local budgets - 44.9 %, and loans - 9.8 %. Domestic investment amounted to 379.6 billion tenge (Growth - 65.4%, share - 86.0%). Foreign investment - 61.6 billion tenge. tenge (25% growth, 14.0%).http://www.government.kz/en/news/reviews/development-of-turkistan-region-in-2019-economy-employment-tourism