Shymkent, Chimkent

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"S Kazakhstan, on the Turkistan-Siberia RR. It has large zinc and lead smelters and machine, chemical, and food-processing industries. Founded in the 12th cent., Shymkent was a Kokand fortress before it was taken by Russia in 1864." From the Columbia Encyclopedia .

"south-central Kazakstan. It lies in the valley of the Sayram River in the foothills of the Ugam Range at an elevation of 1,680 feet (512 m). Originally a settlement on the caravan route from Central Asia to China, Chimkent dates back at least to the 12th century and was more than once destroyed by nomad attacks. After becoming part of the khanate of Kokand in the early 19th century, it was captured by the Russians in 1864. A pharmaceutical (santonin) works was constructed there in 1885.

"Chimkent's population increased twelvefold from 1926 to 1970. It is now the third largest city in Kazakstan and a major industrial and cultural centre, as well as an important railway junction. The city has large lead, automatic-press, and cement works, with a chemical industry (processing phosphates from Karatau) and food and light industries. Chimkent also has teacher-training, technological, and cultural institutes, cement and Karakul-breeding research institutes, and Kazak and Russian theatres. An old Asiatic quarter still remains. Pop. (1995 est.) 397,600." From the Encyclopaedia Britannica .

"The city in south-central Kazakstan. It lies in the valley of the Sayram River in the foothills of the Ugam Range at an elevation of 1,680 feet (512 m). Originally a settlement on the caravan route from Central Asia to China, Shymkent dates back at least to the 12th century and was more than once destroyed by nomad attacks. After becoming part of the khanate of Kokand in the early 19th century, it was captured by the Russians in 1864. A pharmaceutical (santonin) works was constructed there in 1885. Shymkent's population increased twelvefold from 1926 to 1970. It is now the third largest city in Kazakstan and a major industrial and cultural center, as well as an important railway junction. The city has large lead, automatic-press, and cement works, with a chemical industry (processing phosphates from Karatau) and food and light industries. Shymkent also has teacher-training, technological, and cultural institutes, cement and Karakul-breeding research institutes, Kazakh and Russian theatres. Shymkent is notable chiefly as the home of Astrakhan coats-the Karakul Sheep Breeding Museum has an exhibit demonstrating how the sheepskins are processed to give pelts that tight, curly, twisted look." Previously on the Gateway to Kazakhstan.

Welcome to Shymkent information and photos.

MultiMap .

(click on map to see a larger image, shows location of Kazakhs) used with permission from World Map .

Akim of Southern Kazakhstan region in Shymkent. Links along left: news, nice photogallery, religion, law. Links along top: cities in region, smaller towns in region, information (geography, history, characteristics, population, administrative areas, natural resources, ecology, agriculture), government, tourism (attractions, hotels, tourist agencies, tours), business opportunities.

Shymkent Families "is for families that adopted from Shymkent, Kazakhstan. The goal is to provide a place to share information and to provide a place for our children to keep track of their childhood friends."

Would you like to talk with someone about Shymkent and adoption? Lynn went with her daughter and is willing to answer any questions.

Falling Rain has maps and current weather conditions (temperature, cloud cover and precipitation).

There is a pediatrician from Texas who has had a clinic in Shymkent since 2000. Her name is Dr. Lori Fewin, she charges approximately $50 US or less depending on services - which is a donation to her clinic there. She has a Kazak Nuerologist on staff as well (Janat).

Wiki: Shymkent

South Kazakhstan is in English and Russian; history, nature, culture, tourist informaiton. Very nice site with lots of information for travellers.

Regional portal of Shymkent is in Russian; history and geography, photogallery, map, etc.

Nat and Ev blog, an Australian couple traveling around the world, they spent 2 months in Shymkent.

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Hotels

If you have stayed at any hotel in Shymkent, please take the time to fill out a Hotel Survey to give your fellow travelers feedback on your visit.
Some of the sites listed above may have information on hotels.
Check the Hotels and Travel Agents listings for sites that may have more information and pricing.
Advantour lists information and prices for Sofia Olympia, Kema, Dostyk and Shymkent.
Sapar: 18 rooms, continental breakfast included. "May 2003, $109 for standard room 2 adults 1 child, private bath with tub and shower, refridgerator, room service, air conditioned, phone, TV, restaurant, bar, English, elevator, accepts credit cards, 'Great hotel...wonderful service, the rooms are large, great breakfast, and great location. Walking distance to Zum and local market.'

"February 2003, $120 for suite 2 adults and 2 kids, private bath with tub, refer, minibar, heated, phone, TV, crib available, Russian/Kazak casual restaurant, bar, lounge, staff speaks English, elevator, accepts credit cards, walking distance to shopping, 'Very clean and spacious. The only problem with the room was that there wasn't much hot water for the bath or shower. Staff was nice and a few spoke English. Breakfasts were great and included! Lunch and dinner were not so great. Location was very convenient.' Contact Theresa for more information."
DostykHotel: over 100 rooms, AC, minibar, refrigerator, Kazakh/European restaurant, sauna, laundry, business center, accepts all credit cards.
Ordabasy
Kema: TV, restaurant, bar, sauna. "October 2003: $70/night, standard room with 1 bed for 2 adults, hairdryer, room service, AC/heat, phone, TV, Russian restaurant, bar, elevator, accepts credit cards, walking distance to shopping."
Shymkent: "June 2006; private bath with shower, phones, TV, 1 restaurant with local cuisine, bar, lounge, elevator, accepts credit cards, Very Soviet style hotel. Food acceptable. Not comfortable but clean. Surroundings very ugly. My room had a view on a yard which was looking like a scrapyard... Staff friendly. You have to speak Russian."
There is an apartment available for short-term lease, contact Anar or Lori for more information.

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Page last updated on 30 September 2009.