IRSTI 03.20 DOI 10.51943/1814-6961_2022_1_219 THE ROLE OF SACRED SITES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF DOMESTIC TOURISM IN KAZAKHSTAN Dinara Abdigaliyeva 1 , Batyrkhan Zhumabayev 2* , Bibigul Isabayeva 3 1
National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan, Nur-Sultan
2*
L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University. Kazakhstan, Nur-Sultan
3
Turan University. Kazakhstan, Nur-Sultan
*Corresponding author:
Email: zhumabaevbatyrkhan@gmail.com (B. Zhumabayev), email: mars_diko@mail.ru (D. Abdigaliyeva),
email: issabayeva@inbox.ru (B. Isabayeva)
Abstract. This article focuses on the analysis of stimulating the development of domestic tourism.
The authors have studied the key components of tourists’ motivation to visit sacred sites, and also considered
the classification of historical and cultural sights. The results of the study revealed the main motives
for travel, factors that attract tourists to sacred places. It is also worth noting that the article deals with the
theoretical aspects of sacred space and heritage. Sacred cultural and historical heritage is an important
resource for the development of tourism in Kazakhstan. Current thematic tourist routes show that there
are sacred places on the territory of Kazakhstan, the visit of which leaves people with strong emotions.
A special role in the preservation of historical and cultural heritage sacred sites play Shyrakshy (watchmen).
To date, Shyrakshy carry out a leading role in the interpretation of communicative practice and sacred
space in Kazakhstan. Shyrakshy often have real or imagined genetic connection with the priesthood of
the sacred site. However, it is necessary to distinguish difference between religious tourism and pilgrimage
itself. Religious tourism is understood as partly secular visits to religious sites for cultural and educational
ISSN 1814 - 6961 E-ISSN: 2788-9718 Отан тарихы №1 (97) 2022 220
purposes, while ritual and ritual practices are not mandatory. On the contrary, pilgrimage is associated with
performing ritual actions.