Kazakhstan’s President Signs Law Granting Special Status to Turkistan
Kazakhstan’s President has signed the Law on the Special Status of Turkistan, officially recognizing the city as the country’s spiritual, historical, cultural, and tourism center, as well as an architectural heritage site.
The law aims to:
- Establish an effective management system for the preservation and integrity of historical and cultural monuments in Turkistan.
- Oversee the planning and execution of archaeological and scientific restoration work, particularly in the mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi and its protected zones.
- Preserve, develop, and revive the historical and cultural heritage of the city while supporting national craftsmanship.
- Provide scientific support for decision-making regarding the protection and utilization of Turkistan’s heritage sites.
To maintain the uniqueness of the Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum, the law prohibits any construction that could endanger the city’s heritage. It also bans buildings taller than seven meters or structures incompatible in scale, color, or materials within 100 meters of the mausoleum’s protective zone. Additionally, an archaeological reserve will be established in the city.
A key focus of the legislation is the creation of a comfortable urban environment, including accessible infrastructure for people with disabilities and the promotion of inclusive tourism. These measures aim to make Turkistan an attractive destination for both residents and visitors.
To ensure effective governance, the Turkistan Akimat (city administration) and Maslikhat (local council) will be granted additional powers, enabling faster decision-making, improved oversight of cultural heritage sites, and the implementation of a unified urban design code. Additionally, state control measures will support local artisans, regulate transit transportation, and safeguard the city’s historical identity.
The full text of the law will be published in official sources.
