Arystan Bab Mausoleum

Legend holds that Arystan Bab was a companion of the Prophet who received from him a keepsake, a date stone. Years later he passed it to the boy Ahmed Yasawi and gave the young Yasawi his first lessons.

The mausoleum stands near the ruins of Otrar in Turkistan Region. The first structure is dated to the 12th century; the present building replaced the old one in the early 20th century and was later restored.

A popular saying goes: "Before going to Turkistan, visit Arystan Bab." Pilgrims therefore begin their journey here.