On August 8, 2025, the Orenburg Governor’s Museum of History and Local Lore (Russia) hosted the grand opening of the international exhibition “Ancient Turkistan and the Heritage of Yasawi.”

The exhibition was organized by the “Aziret Sultan” National Historical and Cultural Reserve-Museum with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as part of the directive of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to widely promote the spiritual heritage of the great thinker Khoja Ahmed Yasawi.

The exposition presents over 150 unique archaeological and historical artifacts connected to the history of ancient Turkistan — a key center of the Great Silk Road. Among them are architectural fragments, photographs, coins, ceramics, and other relics. Particularly noteworthy are the medieval coins, each narrating the political and economic events of its era and allowing scholars to trace the dynamics of trade relations and governance in the region.

Special attention is given to the life and spiritual legacy of the 12th-century philosopher and founder of the Sufi tradition, Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, whose influence profoundly shaped the spiritual culture of the Turkic world. Manuscripts of Yasawi and his followers are on display, providing insight into his philosophical worldview and its impact on Muslim communities of the Volga and Ural regions.

The exhibition also highlights the architectural masterpiece — the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, built by order of Amir Temir. Photographs depicting the architecture and ornate decorations of this medieval complex are presented to visitors.

Thus, the exhibition is not merely a collection of artifacts but a comprehensive narrative about the rich history and culture of Turkistan and the enduring impact of great figures such as Khoja Ahmed Yasawi on the spiritual and cultural life of many regions and peoples.

The exhibition will run from August 9 to October 12, 2025.