Turkestan is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia and Kazakhstan. The first information about this city is found in Arabic written sources from the 4th to 9th centuries under the name Shavgar. Today, when the process of renewal of the Kazakh nation and the establishment of state independence is underway, the place of the Republic of Kazakhstan in world historical development is being determined, the importance of restoring the historical realities of the past, considered in close connection with complex phenomena in the life of society, is increasing. One of the few cities in Central Asia and Kazakhstan that survived invasions in various historical periods and exists to this day is the city of Turkestan.

The article publishes a findings from the territory of the ancient part of the city of Turkestan, which has survived to this day. The article discusses the history of the origin of sandalwood hearths in some regions of Central Asia and Kazakhstan. Despite the fact that during archaeological research in each region, a large number of sandalwood hearths were identified in residential buildings, they were practically not preserved along with the tables. The importance of this study lies in the fact that the sandalwood hearth, although dated to a late stage, was discovered together with the table. Evidence is provided that, along with other peoples of Central Asia and Kazakhstan, the Kazakh population also used sandal hearths. The purpose of the article is to introduce into scientific circulation and show that hearth sandals, dating back to the 12th century, were used until the second half of the 20th century. Materials are published obtained from the lips of a person who witnessed the kindling of a fire and the warmth of a sandalwood hearth.

At the same time, the author emphasizes the importance of searching for old-timers, collecting data and passing it on to future generations.