Iași
Country: Romania
Region: Europe
Period: 1564-1859
Location: 47.162222°N, 27.588889°E
Description
Iasy, historically known as Sayram, is one of Central Asia’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, located in present-day Kazakhstan. During the time of the Uzbek Khanate in the 15th and 16th centuries, Iasy held strategic importance as a trade and religious center along the Silk Road. It was a fortified settlement known for its Islamic scholarship and connections to Sufi traditions, particularly linked to the mystic Khoja Ahmad Yasawi.
Modern Remains
Today, Iasy is known as Turkistan, and it remains a major spiritual and historical site. The most prominent monument is the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmad Yasawi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by Timur (Tamerlane) in the 14th century. The city has been revitalized as a cultural capital in Kazakhstan, with ongoing preservation of historical architecture and increased investment in heritage tourism. Ancient city walls and Islamic learning centers still echo Iasy’s historic prominence.