Shymkent history
The settlement in the area of current Shymkent existed at the edge of 11th-12th centuries. There is a hypothesis about earlier formation of Shymkent. The idea is based on archeological excavations in which some burial places were found and specialists refer them to 5th-6th centuries.
For centuries Shymkent settlement was devastated by aggressive invaders. In early 13th century Genghis Khan’s army went through Sairamsky oasis which became a part of the territory belonging to the conqueror’s descendants.
In 14th century Timur included it into his state as a result of successful military actions against Ak Horde and Golden Horde khans.
In early 16th century Shymkent became a part of Kazakh khanate, later within 17th-18th centuries it was invaded by Dzhungar conquerors. In spite of numerous wars badly affecting the population Sairamsky oasis remained a region of developed agriculture, gardening and handicrafts.
At the end of 18th and the first half of 19th century Kokand and Bukhara khanates struggled for possessing Shymkent. In 1810-1864s the town was a military camp-fortress ruled by Kokand with a numerous army and a khan deputy’s residence.
In 1864 Shymkent was successfully attacked by Russian army and became an important transit point linking European part of
Russia and Western Siberia with Middle Asia. In 1914, in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Kazakhstan’s joining Russian Empire, the city was named after Russian general Chernyaeyv, but in 1924 its ex-name was returned to the city.
In 1930s a lead plant was constructed in Shymkent city. It produced 70% of all the lead made in the USSR. During World War II 17 industrial plants were evacuated to Shymkent. After the war, in 1950-1980s the city economy was growing rapidly.
Shymkent – a Silk Way city of special power
Shymkent overview
Shymkent (also spelled Chimkent, Cimkent) is a city and administrative center of South Kazakhstan oblast (region) of Kazakhstan, located in the valley of Sayram River at the foothills of Ugam Range at an altitude of 1,680 feet (512 m).
Link: http://aboutkazakhstan.com/shymkent-city
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Shymkent has the population of about 647,000 (2009).
Shymkent phone code - +7 7252; postal code - 160000.
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