"Otrar. Dreams of Jhenghiz Khan." Otrar by Tipper

Widely known in the East medieval city Otrar played an important role in history of Central Asia. It is firstly known as a birth place of outstanding scientist of that time Abu Nasr Al-Farabi . Otrar was established in 5th century and was an important spot of the Great Silk Road and is the only medieval city in Kazakhstan that along with copper and bronze produced golden coins. In the end of 17th century the city was left by people after invasion of Dzhungarians who left it in ruins.

The major research made in 1969 by Soviet Academy of Sciences discovered many proofs of once undoubtful greatness of the city. Among many other buildings they found public sauna (14 cent.), Mosque (16 c.), Palace mosque (15 c.), Berdibek's palace (14 c), well (12 c.)

This town brought Chinghiz Khan to Central Asia and was ruled by his sons Chagatai and Ogedei.

See also: http://www.fantasticasia.net/?p=234

• Pros:beautiful, gorgeous
• Cons:away from the main roads and hotels
• In a nutshell:A deep dive into history of Central Asia