Qyzylorda (formerly Kyzyl-Orda) is a city in Kazakhstan, capital of Qyzylorda Province. The city has a population of 157,400 (1999 census).

Qyzylorda was founded in 1820 as a Kokand fortress of Ak-Mechet (also spelt Aq Masjid, Aq Mechet). Yaqub Beg was the fort's commander until it was taken by the Rusisan troops of General Vasily Alekseevich Perovsky in 1853.

The Russians renamed the fort Fort Perovsky. Since 1867, it was city of Perovsk; since 1920, Ak-Mechet again.

In 1925, the city became Kyzyl-Orda, from Kazakh qyzyl 'red' and orda 'army', 'capital city' (compare horde, Urdu).

The city has a sister city relationship with Arvada, Colorado, USA according to Sister Cities International.

[Source: Wikipedia]

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