On August 8, 2025, the grand opening of the international exhibition “Ancient Turkestan and the Heritage of Yasawi” took place at the Orenburg Governor’s Museum of Local History (Russian Federation).
The exhibition was organized by the National Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve «Aziret Sultan» with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan, within the framework of the instructions of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on the wide promotion of the spiritual heritage of the great thinker Koja Akhmet Yasawi.
The exhibition presents unique archaeological finds and more than 150 valuable artifacts related to the history of ancient Turkestan, the main center of the Great Silk Road. Among them are architectural elements, photographs, coins, ceramics and other artifacts. Among the artifacts, medieval coins stand out, each of which is a legacy that tells about the political and economic events of its time. A careful study of them allows us to trace the pace of development of trade relations and power in the region.
Particular attention was paid to the life and spiritual legacy of Koja Ahmed Yasawi, the great philosopher of the 12th century, the founder of Sufi teachings, who had a profound influence on the spiritual culture of the entire Turkic world.
The exhibition features the handwritten writings of Yassawi and his followers – elegant, history-filled pages that contain wisdom and spiritual guidance that have inspired and guided countless people over the centuries. These texts are key to understanding the spiritual world and philosophical views of Yassawi, which had a profound influence on the culture of the entire Turkic world. Particular attention is paid to the influence of his philosophy on the Muslims of Edilya and the Urals, which testifies to the broad spiritual heritage of this outstanding thinker.
It is impossible not to mention the mausoleum of Koja Ahmed Yasawi, built by order of Amir Temur. The exhibition presents photographs illustrating in detail the architecture and decoration of this large-scale complex – a true masterpiece of medieval architecture.
Thus, the exhibition is not just a collection of relics, but a complete story about the rich history and culture of Turkestan, about the influence of such great personalities as Koja Ahmet Yasawi on the spiritual and cultural life of entire regions and peoples. Each relic is part of an interesting historical scene, which, when collected together, allows visitors to feel the greatness and originality of the East.
The exhibition will run from August 9 to October 12, 2025.
K.Iskak, exhibition organizer
