Zhetysu Oblast (Zhetisu Oblysy) is an administrative region in the south-eastern part of Kazakhstan, known for its history, cultural heritage and unique nature. The name ‘Zhetysu’ translates from Kazakh as "Seven Rivers’, which is related to the seven rivers that feed the fertile region. The region was formed in 2022 as a result of the division of the Almaty Oblast into two parts.
The Zhetysu region is located in the southern part of Kazakhstan, bordering China to the east, Almaty Oblast to the west and Zhambyl Oblast to the south. The administrative centre is Taldykorgan city. The region includes mountains of Dzungarian Alatau, ridges of Tien Shan, steppes, lakes and rivers.
The climate is continental: hot summers and cold winters. Due to the diversity of relief, the region has both mountainous landscapes and steppe expanses.
In the past, Zhetysu was an important region on the Great Silk Road, which made it a crossroads of cultures and peoples. The territory contains traces of ancient civilisations, Sak and Usun burial mounds, as well as monuments associated with the Turkic era.
In the XIX century Zhetysu became part of the Russian Empire. Later, during the Soviet period, the region played a key role in the agricultural development of Kazakhstan. After Kazakhstan's independence, Zhetysu continues to retain its importance as a cultural and economic centre.

Coat of arms of Zhetysu region

The coat of arms of Zhetysu region consists of several parts: the symbol of Taldykorgan city - "Zhetisu Monument’, over which the mountain peaks rise, from behind which the rays of the sun peek out, and above them - shanyrak (the main element of the yurt roof).
In the lower part of the coat of arms there is a caravan of camels as a personification of the Great Silk Road, waves representing the seven rivers Zhetisu, lakes Alakol and Balkhash, and on the sides there are two argali, which have an important symbolic meaning for the region.