Shymkent, city, capital of Ongtustik Qazaqstan (South Kazakhstan) Province, Kazakhstan. A railroad junction and cultural center, the city has industries producing refined lead and zinc, processed karakul pelts, textiles, foodstuffs, and pharmaceuticals. Shymkent was founded by the Tatars in the 12th century as a caravan center between Central Asia and China. The city was seized by Russia in 1864; its industrial growth began in the 1930s. Population (1993 estimate) 404,000.
