23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
A Dawn Pilgrimage to the Sacred Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi

As the first light of dawn breaks over the ancient city of Turkistan, pilgrims quietly gather at the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi — one of Central Asia’s most revered spiritual sites. The soft morning glow reflects the deep devotion and centuries-old tradition of visiting this sacred place, where faith, history, and architecture intertwine in serene harmony.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 04.2024
Date Uploaded: 11.2025
Photo Location: Turkistan, Kazakhstan
Camera: iPhone 13
Copyright: © Akmaral Myrzagaliyeva