population: 1.001 million million

extension: 1611 square kilometers square kilometers

Museums

If you're in Shymkent and interested in visiting museums, you should definitely check out the Regional Museum of Local History and Lore. It showcases the history, culture, and traditions of the region through exhibits and artifacts.

Additionally, you might want to visit the Museum of Political Repression Victims and the Museum of Fine Arts named after Mihail Arhangelsky, which are also located in Shymkent.

Food

Some of the most recommended, popular and typical dishes to try in Shymkent, Kazakhstan include:

1. Beshbarmak - a traditional meat dish served with boiled noodles and sometimes potatoes.

2. Plov - a rice dish with meat (usually lamb or beef), onions, and carrots.

3. Lagman - noodle soup with vegetables and either lamb or beef.

4. Kuyrdak - a Kazakhstani version of stew made with lamb or beef, onions, and potatoes.

5. Shashlik - marinated and grilled skewers of meat (lamb, beef, or chicken).

6. Baursaki - small fried dough balls that are a popular snack or dessert.

7. Samsa - savory pastries filled with meat, potatoes, or pumpkin.

8. Kuimak - a sour dairy product made from mare's milk.

These dishes are all beloved by locals and can be found at many restaurants and cafes in Shymkent.

Activities

Sure! Here are some fun activities that local people in Shymkent enjoy:

1. Visit the Abai Park, which is a popular hangout spot for locals and features an amusement park, a lake, and several restaurants.

2. Explore the Shymkent Bazaar, which is one of the largest markets in Kazakhstan and offers a wide range of goods from fresh produce to handmade crafts.

3. Attend a performance at the Kazakh State Philharmonic Hall, which hosts a variety of musical and cultural events throughout the year.

4. Take a walk around the city's historic center, where you can see architectural landmarks like the Regional Museum of Local History and Lore, as well as several parks and squares.

5. Enjoy traditional Kazakh cuisine at a local restaurant, such as Kishlak or Gostinitsa Shymkent.