Grand esplanade and futuristic three-level promenade -
Nurzhol Boulevard is assigned the role of the central podium of Astana. This large-scale pedestrian zone, located in the new administrative and business center on the left bank, is the main attraction not only of the city but of the entire country.
Stretching from the Ak Orda residence to the futuristic dome of Khan Shatyr, the boulevard has become a living embodiment of the new history of the capital, where the energy of the future and national flavor are read in every architectural solution.
The place, which residents habitually call the "Water-Green Boulevard", is a unique engineering structure. For more than two kilometers, pedestrians can enjoy a walk in complete isolation from car noise, as traffic and parking are moved to the lower levels. This space was created so that in 2.5 hours of a leisurely walk, a guest of the capital could see the quintessence of the achievements of modern Kazakhstan.
Nurzhol Boulevard is not just a street, but a multifunctional complex connecting three squares into a single pedestrian system. Here, among an abundance of fountains, whimsical sculptures, and flower alleys, are the offices of the largest national companies, headquarters of ministries, and iconic skyscrapers.
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How to get there and visit -
Nurzhol Boulevard is located in the central part of the left bank of Astana, running between the parallel streets of D. Kunayev and Dostyk. You can get to the promenade from any point in the city, orienting yourself by the Keruen mall or the Baiterek monument.
GPS coordinates: 51°07'46"N 71°25'22"E (center of the boulevard)
For those using public transport, routes passing through the left-bank center are ideal. Buses following to the boulevard are: 70, 61, 60, 56, 54, 53, 52, 51, 50, 47, 46, 40, 35, 32, 30, 29, 28, 26, 21, 19, 18, 15, 12, 10. Access to the pedestrian zone is open 24/7 and free of charge.
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History
The history of the boulevard's creation is inextricably linked with the transfer of the capital and the ambitious plan for the development of the left bank of the Ishim. The general plan for this part of the city, including the esplanade itself, was designed by the outstanding Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa. His concept was based on the idea of a symbiosis between the city and nature, which was reflected in the abundance of greenery and water cascades among glass and concrete.
Construction was carried out in record time. The boulevard received its current name "Nurzhol" (Bright Path) in honor of the country's strategic course, replacing the technical name "Water-Green". Every year the space was filled with new meanings: in 2002 "Baiterek" rose here, later the buildings of the Ministry of Transport and "KazMunayGas" appeared, and the final chord was "Khan Shatyr" by Norman Foster. Today, the boulevard continues to develop, integrating new objects and exhibition zones.
Information
Nurzhol Boulevard is located at an altitude of about 348 m above sea level and covers an area of 15 hectares. Its length is from 2.5 to 3.1 km depending on the coverage of adjacent squares. Structurally, it is a complex three-level structure:
• Lower level: a hidden parking lot designed for 400 cars and transport interchanges.
• Middle tier: shopping galleries, exhibition halls, cafes, offices, and passages to surrounding buildings.
• Upper level: an open pedestrian esplanade up to 100 meters wide with winter gardens in conical atriums ("green house" zones).
Detailed description of the object
A walk along Nurzhol resembles visiting a gallery of achievements. Starting the journey from "Khan Shatyr", you pass through Lovers Park to the Round Square, surrounded by the terraced buildings of "KazMunayGas". A huge light and music fountain is located here, and transition galleries soar at a height of 10-13 floors. Further, the path leads to "Baiterek" – a symbol of the city 105 meters high, inside the sphere of which there is a panoramic hall and a bar.
A special atmosphere is created by the Singing Fountains, which arrange light and sound performances to classical and modern music in the evening. In summer, the ART-FEST takes place on the boulevard, turning the street into an exhibition of modern art with installations and expositions. The route ends at the "Ak Orda" residence, offering a majestic view of the Esil River.
Architecture
The architectural ensemble of the boulevard is a constellation of projects by world masters. The 155-meter Ministry of Transport building, finished with golden glass, stands adjacent to the curved lines of the "Northern Lights" residential complex. You will see the "Kazmedia Ortalygy" media center with huge screens and the "Emerald Quarter". The entire boulevard is built along a single axis, creating perfect symmetry. The buildings of state bodies – the Senate, Mazhilis, and Government – form the ceremonial appearance of the square in front of the presidential residence.
Legend and conclusion
The name "Bright Path" gave rise to a city legend: it is believed that a person who walks the entire boulevard from beginning to end on a clear day gains luck in new endeavors. Baiterek in the center of the boulevard personifies the tree of life, and the "Ak Orda" residence represents the wisdom of governance.
Nurzhol Boulevard is the heart of Astana, where the harmony of nature and advanced architecture gives a sense of belonging to the future. A visit to this esplanade is a must for anyone who wants to understand the spirit and greatness of modern Kazakhstan.
Interesting attractions nearby:
• House of Ministries;
• Abu Nasir al-Farabi Mosque;
• Keruen Mall;
• Korme Exhibition Center;
• Ak Orda;
• Khan Shatyr;
• Baiterek.
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