Kyzylorda Region, Administrative region in southern Kazakhstan
Kyzylorda covers southern and southwestern Kazakhstan and includes wide steppes, the Syr Darya river, and parts of the Lesser Barsuki desert. The landscape shifts between grassland and sandy plains, crossed by a few lakes and narrow river oases.
The area changed names several times during the 20th century and served as the capital of Kazakhstan between 1925 and 1927. Later the political center moved to Alma-Ata and the territory remained an administrative division with agricultural and industrial importance.
Residents speak mainly Kazakh and Russian in daily exchanges and maintain crafts such as felt-making or yurt construction across rural settlements. During local celebrations and in village homes, visitors may taste dishes like beshbarmak or smoked horsemeat served in traditional style.
The city of Kyzylorda acts as the main hub for road and rail links within the territory and to other Kazakh cities. Travelers passing through should bring water and supplies, as long stretches offer little infrastructure.
The Baikonur Cosmodrome sits on the territory and remains under Russian administration since Soviet times. Rocket launches occur regularly and are sometimes visible from surrounding areas.
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