Iconic meeting place at the junction of two banks with panoramic views -
The Esil (Ishim) River Embankment holds the status of the main center of attraction in the capital. It is a unique natural and architectural boundary that actually divides Astana into two different worlds: the cozy historical part and the progressive left-bank metropolis.
For locals, this place is affectionately called "naberezhka", the heart of the city where every stone remembers the transformation of a provincial center into a modern capital. Along the river within the city limits, many city landmarks are located, such as the Ak Orda Presidential Residence and the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation which is located in the Presidential Park.
The main city embankment is considered the absolute favorite of the right bank. If the Bayterek monument is the symbol of the left bank, then the entire river embankment is the soul of all Astana. Both banks of the river are connected by the Atyrau pedestrian bridge, which will lead you from the right bank to the left to the Central Park.
On weekends and holidays, thousands of citizens and tourists gather here to enjoy the fresh river breeze and a unique atmosphere that harmoniously combines the tranquility of nature and the business rhythm of the metropolis.
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How to get there and visit -
The Esil River Embankment passes through the central part of Astana. The most popular entrance is from the Samal microdistrict and Republic Avenue.
GPS coordinates: 51°09'37"N 71°25'26"E (Kenesary Khan monument area)
You can get here on dozens of city routes that cross Republic Avenue. It is convenient to reach the embankment by buses numbered 10, 52, 37, 32, 31, 25, 23, 20, 3, 2, and 1. It is best to get off at the stop of the same name "Samal Microdistrict", from where the water is only a couple of minutes walk away.
Entrance to the territory is free and open 24/7. Pleasure boats, attractions, and rental points operate depending on the season. In summer, navigation is open from May to October, and in winter, skating rinks start operating with the establishment of a solid ice cover.
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History
The history of the modern embankment began in 1997 when the city gained capital status. Before that time, the banks of the Ishim did not have granite finishing or developed infrastructure. The transformation of the river became a priority project in which the famous Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa participated. It was according to his general plan that the coastal zone turned into a "green belt" of the city, connecting man and nature.
A landmark stage was the 2000s when laser shows on the water turned the embankment into the multimedia heart of the country, uniting residents around a new national idea. Since then, the embankment has been continuously evolving: the riverbed was artificially widened and deepened to create a majestic water mirror, which allowed turning Esil into a navigable artery in the very center of the steppe metropolis.
Information
The Esil (Ishim) River is a majestic tributary of the Irtysh, 2450 km long. Astana's water supply and maintaining the river level in the city is provided by the Vyacheslavskoye Reservoir. Modern residential complexes, offices of major banks, and shopping centers are built along the embankment.
The walking area is lined with massive granite and divided into several levels, allowing for the separation of pedestrian flows, cyclists, and those who prefer a quiet rest on benches in the shade of trees.
Detailed description of the object
The embankment is a multifunctional cultural cluster. On the right bank is the city Arbat – a point of attraction for artists, musicians, and craftsmen, where you can buy authentic leather and felt products. An integral symbol of this place is the Monument to Kenesary Khan, set on a high granite pedestal by the water.
In winter, the embankment undergoes a metamorphosis: the frozen riverbed turns into a huge skating rink. Dog sledding with huskies, reindeer-drawn sleigh rides, and snowmobile rides are organized here. Around the ice towns, kiosks with hot tea and fresh baursaks are always open. Also, the Amphitheater on the Ishim River (a stage on the water) is built on the embankment, where various concerts are held.
Architecture
The architectural appearance of the banks is complemented by unique bridges. The most famous was the "Atyrau" bicycle and pedestrian bridge, which is called the "fish-bridge" because of its futuristic cladding. Its design includes 2450 aluminum petals that create a unique play of shadows inside.
The "Tulpar", "Saryarka", and "Maral" bridges also contribute to the city's appearance thanks to complex dynamic lighting that reflects in the river at night, creating the effect of a "Northern Venice".
Legend and conclusion
There is a popular legend that Esil is a river connecting eras. They say that if you cross the pedestrian bridge from the old bank to the new one at sunset, you can leave all problems in the past and enter a new day with pure energy.
Old-timers say that the Esil River is the soul of the city, which keeps the peace of the steppe even in the center of a noisy metropolis.
The Esil River Embankment is a place where Astana opens its soul, combining the history of ancestors and bold dreams of the future. This is a main point in the itinerary of any traveler who wants to feel the true heart rhythm of Kazakhstan.
Interesting attractions nearby:
• Zhetysu Park;
• Triathlon Park;
• Nazarbayev Center;
• Bauyrzhan Momyshuly Park;
• Ataturk Park.
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