Turkistan city to receive special status

Majilis deputies have approved the draft law “On special status of Turkistan,” Kazinform News Agency reports.

According to Vice Prime Minister - Minister of National Economy Nurlan Baibazarov, the bill was drafted in line with the President’s assignment to grant the city the status of a spiritual and historical capital.

Turkistan was recognized the spiritual capital of the Turkic world. This fact and the need to preserve the architectural look of the city as well as historical and cultural heritage sites located on its territory served as the basis for the development of the bill. 

The draft law provides for creation of a reserve of Turkistan’s archeological monuments; reimbursement of a part of expenses for national artisans; and introduction of restrictions on construction works around the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi to preserve its uniqueness.

Local akimat (Mayor’s Office) will be assumed additional functions, such as regulation of issues of preservation of cultural heritage and spiritual development of the city, introducing standards of construction around the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi and unified style of construction in the city, as well as creation of favorable conditions for tourism development.

Earlier, Kazinform reported that Turkistan city population surged by 42% over past 6 years.