Astana, the Capital of Kazakhstan

On December 10, 1997 the city was given a new name Akmola and was officially declared as the new capital of Kazakhstan. Later, on May 6, 1998 the new capital was renamed Astana. Now this city is an important industrial and cultural centre of the country. Astana has a long history. It began in 1824 when in the place where the city is situated now a military settlement was founded by the Cossacks on the banks of the river Ishim. This fortress was given status of a city in 1868. In the 1950s the city became an important centre of the new virgin land development in the north of the country. The main industry of the city was characterized by mechanical engineering, food and processing industries. In the past the city was well known for its fairs. Merchants and traders form all areas of Kazakhstan, Russia and other countries usually came here with their goods, when the cultivation of virgin and unused lands started, the city was renamed Tzelinograd and was declared as an administrative centre of the area.

Having got the metropolitan status in 1997 the face of the city has completely changed. Nowadays architects and builders create remarkable architectural ensembles, harmoniously combining a modern design with some Oriental colour. The tower Baiterek has become a symbol of the city and its visiting card. The height of the tower is 105 meters. There is an observatory on the 97 meter level. It is a special viewing platform allowing visitors to see the environs from the level of birds’ flight. The figure 97 was not chosen at random. It symbolized just the exact year when Astana was declared the capital city of Kazakhstan. There is also an art gallery, a large aquarium and a restaurant inside the tower.

Today Astana is quickly becoming the main business centre of the country. All governmental offices and embassies of many countries are located in the new capital. Every year the city receives visitors coming to various international conferences, exhibitions and musical festivals. In 1999 according to a UNESCO decision Astana was awarded the rank of City of the World.

Astana has become the centre of culture. It has the finest museums and bets art galleries. Residents and numerous guests of the city can visit a very interesting operand ballet theatre and a dram theatre.

The historical monuments one can see in Astana. Are the so called linking elements between the new image of city and its history. Every day the number of office buildings and business –centers is increasing in Astana. Entertainment centers are not forgotten either. The most well known among them is an entertainment complex called “Duman”. This place has makes great appeal to people of all ages and is often a family’s primary destination of days off. In its territory there is a sea world show, a modern cinema, a theatre, a bowling club, some night clubs, hotels, cafes, restaurants and a large pool with different water activities. Another interesting place to visit is a theme park “Atameken”, representing a unique museum in the open air. It mainly focuses on the history of Kazakhstan.