Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi
Қожа Ахмет Ясауи кесенесі
A vast mausoleum commissioned by Timur, with one of Central Asia’s largest brick domes. It was Kazakhstan’s first World Heritage Site.
The mausoleum honours Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a 12th-century Sufi poet. Construction began in 1389 on the orders of Timur and was never finished. Scaffolding holes from the unfinished main gateway can still be seen. The turquoise glazed dome is about 18 metres in diameter, and inside sits a bronze cauldron weighing about 2 tonnes. The site was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 2003. Kazakhs say that visiting Yasawi three times is equal to one pilgrimage to Mecca. Entry costs several hundred tenge (check locally). The site is open about 9:00 to 18:00. Visitors must dress modestly, and women should bring a head covering.
Opening hours
About 09:00–18:00 (extended on weekends; confirm on site)
Nearby sights
- Mausoleum of Rabiga Sultan Begim
- Mausoleum of Esim Khan
- Khilvet Underground Mosque
- Juma Mosque, Turkistan
- Kultobe Settlement
- Keruen Saray
- Ukasha Ata
- Otrar