The history of the city of Almaty and the Almaty region -
The best places to visit in the Southern Capital -
Republic Square is the heart of the city and the main public de facto center of Almaty, where history, politics and popular culture intersect. Its spacious composition was conceived as a solemn space for official ceremonies, parades and city celebrations; today it is also a favorite place for walks, photo shoots and mass events. In the center of the square stands the Monument of Independence of Kazakhstan with a tall column, a gilded "Golden Man" and a snow leopard (snow leopard) – a strong visual accent that immediately sets the theme: the continuity of history, state unity and aspiration to the future. There is a wide paved area around, neat lawns, paths and fountains. The square offers a beautiful panorama of the mountains of Almaty and the mountain range of the Trans-Ili Alatau. The Akimat of Almaty is also located here.
Historically, the square of the Republic of Kazakhstan was transformed along with the city of Almaty. It was used as a venue for Soviet parades and official gatherings, then as an arena for major civic events and political actions at the end of the 20th century. After independence, the place acquired a new content: the main state holidays and ceremonies take place here, from Independence Day to commemorative rallies and layings. The square has become a "showcase" of the city, where solemnity and collective memory are demonstrated. Architecturally, the square is built so that everything looks large–scale and monumental: the center of the composition is the vertical of the stele and the figures on it, then there are open vistas, facades of large public and administrative buildings, and mountains are always visible in the background – this gives a sense of depth and a combination of "city – steppe – mountains". The bas-reliefs and sculptural groups at the foot of the stele tell historical episodes and carry an educational layer.: whoever comes can read, "read" history in metal and stone. Night lights make the square expressive even after sunset: the monument is illuminated and turns into a lighthouse, surrounded by the soft lights of fountains and facades.
How to get there and visit -
Republic Square is located in Almaty on Satpayev Street, between Nazarbayev Avenue and Zheltoksan Street, Bostandyk district, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 43°14'18"N 76°56'43"E
History and information -
Republic Square in Almaty was created in the 1980s on the initiative and with the direct decision of the First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Kazakhstan, Dinmukhamed Akhmedovich Kunaev. In those years, Almaty was rapidly developing as the capital of the Kazakh SSR, and the city needed a new representative center that would reflect the scale, grandeur and modern aspirations of the republic. Kunaev saw the new square as a symbol of the renewed look of Almaty – spacious, monumental and solemn. The architects embodied this idea by creating a grandiose open space with administrative buildings and wide avenues, which became the new heart of the city. Initially, the square was called "New Square" and served as a place for state celebrations, parades and official events.
Already in Soviet times, large-scale parades, may demonstrations, and official meetings were held on Republic Square. It was on this square that the largest state events of national importance took place. In 1986, Republic Square became the scene of events that went down in history as Zheltoksan – youth protests against the appointment of the new first Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Kazakhstan, which became an important symbol of the people's struggle for independence. After the collapse of the USSR, the square acquired a new meaning and symbolism. In 1996, on the occasion of the 5th anniversary of Kazakhstan's independence, the Independence Monument was erected here, which became the main focus of the square and a symbol of a new era. Since that time, Republic Square has finally consolidated its role as the main socio-political and cultural center of the country.
Today, Republic Square is not only a place for festive concerts, official events and state ceremonies, but also a memorable space where you can literally "read" the history of Almaty and Kazakhstan – from the Soviet period to independence and modern times.
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