population: 0.4 million

extension: 119.2 square kilometers

Museums

Great! If you are in Taraz, Kazakhstan and want to visit museums, I recommend visiting the Taraz Regional Museum. It showcases the history of Taraz and the surrounding region, including exhibits on local fauna, flora, ethnography, and archaeology.

If you would like to visit other museums in the area, I suggest checking out the Auezov House Museum in Almaty, which is about a 3-hour drive from Taraz. It is the former home of famous Kazakh writer Mukhtar Auezov and features exhibits on his life and work. Alternatively, you can also visit the Central State Museum of Kazakhstan, located in Nur-Sultan (formerly known as Astana), which is about a 12-hour drive from Taraz. It houses over 300,000 exhibits related to the history and culture of Kazakhstan.

Food

Sure! Some of the most recommended, popular, and typical dishes to eat according to local people in Taraz, Kazakhstan include:

1. Beshbarmak: This is a traditional Kazakh dish that consists of boiled meat (usually lamb or beef) served on top of flat noodles, which are then topped with onion sauce and eaten with one's hands.

2. Kuyrdak: This is another popular Kazakh dish that consists of diced lamb or beef, potatoes, and onions cooked together in a wok or skillet until crispy.

3. Baursaki: These are small, deep-fried dough balls that are often eaten as a snack or dessert. They can be sweet or savory and are typically served with tea.

4. Shashlik: This is a popular Central Asian dish that consists of skewered and grilled meat (usually lamb, beef, or chicken) marinated in spices and served with bread and vegetables.

5. Lagman: This is a noodle soup that is commonly found in Central Asia. It typically includes hand-pulled noodles, chunks of meat, and vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, and onions.

These are just a few examples of the delicious and typical dishes that you can try when visiting Taraz, Kazakhstan. Bon appétit!

Activities

Sure, here are some fun activities that locals enjoy in Taraz, Kazakhstan:

1. Visit the Aisha Bibi Mausoleum: This ancient mausoleum is located just outside of Taraz and is a popular destination for both tourists and locals alike. It features intricate carvings and beautiful architecture and is considered one of the most important historical sites in the region.

2. Explore the Dungan Mosque: Located in the center of Taraz, this mosque was built by Chinese Muslims who settled in the area and is a unique example of Chinese architecture in Kazakhstan.

3. Relax at the Kyzylkum Baths: These traditional Turkish baths are a great place to unwind and relax after a long day of sightseeing. Locals love to spend time here and enjoy the hot steam rooms and massage services.

4. Take a hike in the nearby mountains: The Taraz region is known for its beautiful mountain scenery, and many locals like to go hiking in the nearby hills and valleys. Some popular spots include the Karatau Mountains and the Aksoran Gorge.

5. Enjoy local cuisine: Taraz is famous for its delicious food, and locals love to sample traditional dishes like beshbarmak (a meat and noodle dish), shashlik (grilled skewered meat), and samosas (fried pastries filled with meat or vegetables). There are many restaurants and cafes in Taraz where you can try these dishes and more.