Astana – the city that grows with each passing year. We have read a lot about it and its origin in literally a few years. The capital of Kazakhstan welcomes you with wide boulevards – 3-4 lanes in one direction, something that is atypical for a number of European cities. Wide sidewalks and huge buildings that literally make you feel like a crumb.
Bayterek, Central Mosque, Ar Horda, Independence Square, National Museum, EXPO are just some of the must-see sights.
On July 6, Astana celebrates “Day of the capital”. The new capital of the ninth largest country in the world – Kazakhstan stands out with a vivid past and an even brighter future. Crossing the bridge over the Ishim River, you pass from the past to the future. On one side of the river is the old town with typical Soviet buildings with beautiful ornaments, and on the other – the modern world with its modern shiny buildings.
Building a new capital in today's modernized and fast-paced world, where literally every day a new technology emerges that makes life easier, is not an easy task. Therefore, the capital of Kazakhstan is one of the biggest challenges for the Japanese architect Kisho Kurakawa, who is the chief architect of Astana – the youngest capital in the world (founded 26 years ago). Kurakawa managed to successfully weave together the traditions of the East and the West, of the old “gallant“ architecture and the modern clean and shiny forms of the buildings.
Here are some of the symbols of Astana:
Baiterek
The symbol of Astana. The tower was built in 1997. Its purpose is to mark Astana as the new capital of Kazakhstan. Its height is 105 meters, and the observation tower is located at the 97th meter. The tower is the work of the famous British architect Sir Norman Foster.
Boulevard of “Water and greenery“
The emblematic boulevard is the pearl of Astana, created by the Japanese architect Kisho Kurakawa. The boulevard begins the shopping center “Hanska Shatra“ and ends at the other end with the presidential palace Ak Orda – two more emblematic buildings for Astana.
Architecturally, the boulevard is built on three levels. Parking lots with a capacity of up to 400 cars have been built on the lowest level. The second level is a huge passage that is a gallery with lights on both sides, in which exhibition halls, shops and offices are located. The third level of the boulevard is a pedestrian zone with many lawns and decorative trees, small architectural forms and fountains. In the center of the boulevard stands the Baiterek monument.
All along the “Boulevard of Water and Greenery“ architectural objects designed by famous Kazakh and foreign architects were built. Here are also buildings of the state administration such as the Council of Ministers, the Senate, the Majilis, the Supreme Court, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Defense, the National Library, many office buildings, commercial companies, hotels, some embassies, luxury residential complexes. The main Muslim temple of Kazakhstan is also located here – Nur Astana Mosque.
The Khan's Tent (in Kazakh: Khan Shatyr)
The entertainment center was opened in 2010. It immediately became one of the landmarks of the newly built capital. It attracts with its original architecture – a huge stretched transparent tent, hence its name. It is located at the northern end of the “Boulevard of Water and Greenery“ and rises 150 meters from an elliptical base to form the highest peak in Astana's urban skyline.
The Khan tent, the highest tent in the world. Its area exceeds 100,000 sq.m. The building offers dramatic views of the city and the surrounding steppes.
The desert flower
Central concert hall “Kazakhstan“ is the concert hall in Astana. It is also known as “Desert Flower”. The building is the work of the Italian architect Manfredi Nicoletti. It is the largest concert hall in the country, the capacity of which is 3500 guests. It was opened in 2009. The annual “Desert flower“ hosts about 100 public events.
These are only a small part of the symbols of Astana. The capital of Kazakhstan is a platform where some of the greatest contemporary architects from around the world can and do perform. This is what makes the youngest capital in the world a wonderful place. The feeling Astana will give you is special – like walking through time. Therefore, if you are given the opportunity or if you are hesitating whether to visit the capital of Kazakhstan, then definitely do it, because you will feel the spirit of the past, present and future.
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