Kyzylorda
Kyzylorda
Kyzylorda is the capital of the Kyzylorda Region in southern Kazakhstan, located on the right bank of the Syr Darya River, approximately 290 km northwest of Turkistan. While the region itself is not a major tourist destination, it serves as a strategic starting point for visiting nearby attractions such as the Baikonur Cosmodrome and the Aral Sea.
Travellers heading toward the Caspian Sea or crossing into Russia often pass through Kyzylorda. The city is an ideal base for exploring the western part of the region, especially for tours to Baikonur and trips related to the environmental history of the drying Aral Sea. Though less known, Kyzylorda offers visitors a chance to experience the authentic culture and landscapes of Kazakhstan’s heartland.
Kyzylorda History
Kyzylorda's Key Role on the Silk Road
Historically, Kyzylorda was strategically located at the intersection of significant caravan routes from Tashkent, Bukhara, and Khiva before reaching Western Siberia and through Torgay to Troitsk and Orenburg. Its position made it a vital connection for traders and tourists along the historical Silk Road routes of Central Asia.
Akmechet Fortress
In 1817, the Akmechet Fortress (“White Mosque”) was built on the left bank of the Syr Darya River. Under Russian influence, having extended to the region,earlier, the fortress fell under the supervision of Yaqub Beg, a leading Uzbek military leader. Then he controlled Kashgaria after conquering it from China.
The Russian Conquest and the Founding of Fort Perovsky
Russian troops, led by General Vasily Perovsky, captured the Akmechet Fortress in 1853. Yaqub Beg fled to Bukhara following the defeat and subsequently became the commander-in-chief of the Kokand army, later establishing control over Kashgar , seizing it from China.
The fortress was renamed Fort Perovsky in commemoration of the general following the Russians’ victory. Evidence from the time can still be seen today, such as a Russian Orthodox Church constructed close to the bazaar in 1878, and the building of the Tashkent–Orenburg Railway in 1905, which increased regional growth.
Kyzylorda in the Soviet Days
In 1922, during the early Soviet era, the city temporarily returned to its old name of Akmechet before being renamed Kyzylorda (“Red Center”) in 1925. Â
From 1925-1929, Kyzylorda reached its heyday as the capital of Soviet Kazakhstan, attracting a vibrant Kazakh intellectual elite, including Saken Seifullin and Ilyas Zhansugurov. However, when in 1929 the TurkSib Railway reached Almaty (then Alma-Ata), the capital was relocated there, and political and economic clout went with it.
Kyzylorda today
In 1922, during the early Soviet era, the city temporarily returned to its old name of Akmechet before being renamed Kyzylorda (“Red Center”) in 1925. Â
From 1925-1929, Kyzylorda reached its heyday as the capital of Soviet Kazakhstan, attracting a vibrant Kazakh intellectual elite, including Saken Seifullin and Ilyas Zhansugurov. However, when in 1929 the TurkSib Railway reached Almaty (then Alma-Ata), the capital was relocated there, and political and economic clout went with it.
What to see in Kyzylorda
Kyzylorda offers great history and cultural sights for visitors, and offers some extremely fascinating sights. The 1878 Russian Orthodox Church is a historic landmark symbolising the colonial past of the city, located near the busy bazaar. Another place in its history is the Korkut Ata Memorial Complex, developed in commemoration of Kazakh epic poet Korkut Ata, symbolising the country’s rich oral literature traditions.Â
History enthusiasts will enjoy the Kyzylorda Regional Museum, which features the region’s history, from its Silk Road connections to Soviet history. The 1905-built Tashkent-Orenburg Railway Station is an impressive illustration of Tsarist architecture, symbolising Kyzylorda’s position in Central Asia’s railway network. Nature lovers have the Syr Darya River, which runs through the city, offering scenic views and outdoor pursuits, including bird watching.Â
Moreover, Baikonur Cosmodrome, which lies close to Kyzylorda, offers a unique opportunity to see the world’s oldest and largest spaceport. For a more relaxed option, Central Park in Kyzylorda has a peaceful oasis with trees, and the broad boulevards of the city give an impression of daily life and Soviet architecture. Also, the Aral Sea Desert, which is a day trip from Kyzylorda, provides a stark view of the environmental degradation that ensued due to the receding sea, with what remains of once bustling port cities.
Korkyt Ata Complex
The Khorkhyt-Ata Monument is a large complex of monuments was erected by the Syr Darya, 18 km ahead Zhosaly. The monument was established in honor of Khorkhyt also known as Korkut, the legendary musician, philosopher, narrator and inventor of the kobyz, who is known to many Turkic nations.Â
The legend tells that in the 9th Century, a woman in an aul (village) along the Syr Darya had a child, the sight of whom made all the women who had gathered in the yurt shriek and run away, since the newborn creature looked like a shapeless sack. But the mother opened the amniotic sack and a tiny baby appeared and immediately started to cry. On hearing this, the women returned to the tent and were reassured. They recommended that the mother name the child Khorkhyt, meaning terrifying. The boy grew up a clever and perceptive child, with a remarkable level of sensitivity. This characteristic remained with him, and when Khorkhyt was 20 years old, he had a bad dream, in which white-robed figures told him that he had only 20 more years to live.
Kyzylorda Regional Museum
Kyzylorda Regional Museum of History and Local Lore was founded in 1939 and housed initially in a Russian Orthodox church. The exhibits include the geography of the region, comparison of the Aral Sea as it used to be, with photographs of the fishing fleet, with the Aral Sea today, evidenced by a diorama depicting a beached boat and a lonely hedgehog wandering across the sand. 3D Tour
Travel to Kyzylorda
Plane
Air Astana operates twice a day flights from Almaty and Nur-Sultan, as well we SCAT airlines have once a week flights from Karaganda and Bek air serves once a week flights from Atyrau and Aktau.Â
Kyzylorda airport is located 21 km outside of the city center. You can get there by taking a bus number 30 from the train station.Â
Train
Kyzylorda is joined by straight train to the west with Aktobe about 13-18 hours, Urals about 20-25 hours, Atyrau about 19 hours, Aktau 31 hours, Saratov, Russia about 39 hours and Moscow around 52 hours. To the east, trains run to Nur-Sultan takes around 32 hr, Shymkent 8-10 ours, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan 21 hours and Almaty 18-27 ho
Train station situated in the northedge of the town center in the Aulbekov street. Moreover, outside of the train station there are buses departing to Aralsk.
Bus / Car
Less comfortable, however more expensive bus option. There are daily departures and arrivals to and from Turkestan and Shymkent, twice a day to Almaty and once to Nue-Sultan, as well as one to Aktobe through Aralsk and one to Taraz. Besiders, there are plenty of minibuses and taxis serving to the same directions.
Bus station lies outside of the town in 3.5 km southeast.
Sights Near Kyzylorda
Page updated 12.3.2025