Turkestan is one of historic cities of Kazakhstan and dates back to the fourth century AD. That’s why thousands of pilgrims flock to this place every year.
One of the photographers, Ospan Ali, shared memories about his trip to Turkestan.
The trip starts with the visit of the Mausoleum of Arystanbab Ata and ends with another mausoleum named after the Turkic and Sufi poet Khoja Akhmad Yasavi. You will get to know a lot about the place after every trip. During my visit, I got to know an interesting story about Ukash Ata who protected Sali-Allazu Mukhammad Galeisalam and he was the person who introduced Islam to our country. He had many friends and the equal number of enemies. Once, his foes decided to kill him but he battled against arrows and knifes. However, the cruel enemies knew about the time when this warrior’s body would be weak. During Namaz, his body became weaker and his enemies took advantage of this situation. They went into his house and chopped his head off. The legends say that they were afraid that his head could return to the neck and Ukash could become alive again. Suddenly, there appeared chine and his head fell in and appeared in Mecca to be the rill called “Zemzem”.
When Ukash’s fellows saw his body, they buried it in a place located 29 Kms. from Turkestan. They built a well “Gaip-Bergen” where the chine appeared. It is interesting to note that not everyone can get water from this well. You will have three chances to fetch water from this well.
Of course, I and my brother tried but could not do it. I was said that people with good thoughts, full of love and spiritually become successful to get some water. I thought for a moment that I need to work hard to be eligible to get some water and to be a better person in this life.
Turkestan is the city that takes you close to our history, connects you with our homeland and above all, is a place to get spiritually enlightened.
Photos by Akzhan Kuandykov
Photos by Sayat Nizamutdinov
.jpg)
