Legends tell that the mystic Arystan Bab was the mentor of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi and by tradition, a pilgrimage to Yasawi’s mausoleum in Turkestan should be preceded by a visit to the mausoleum of Arystan Bab.
It’s an impressive building, originating from the 14th-century. It’s framed by two domed minarets and the carpet-draped tomb of Arystan Bab is in a small room to the left of the entrance. The room is constantly filled with praying believers and pilgrims.
The mausoleum is surrounded by hundreds of tombs of devout Muslims who wished to be close to Arystan Bab. It’s important that when you visit the site, you stay quiet and respectful and you should dress modestly (no shorts or tops).
The Mausoleum is close to the village of Kogam but you can only get there by car. If you don’t have your own vehicle, you could take a taxi from Shymkent or Turkestan or try to hitchhike.
