A unique architectural site and the main symbol of independent Kazakhstan -
The Baiterek Monument is a unique high-rise structure located in the Esil district of Astana. This majestic metal construction has a height of 97 meters. It attracts the attention of tourists with its deep symbolism and futuristic design.
Here, architects embodied an ancient Turkic legend about the mythical tree of life. As a result, the high-rise site turned into the main calling card of the left bank in the very center of the grandiose pedestrian Nurzhol Boulevard. The monument is included in the official list of historical and cultural sites of local significance.
The large-scale erection of this unique site, also known under its full name "Astana-Baiterek", took place at the turn of the century on the initiative of the first president of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev. The project, the total cost of which amounted to about 5 million US dollars, was chosen instead of alternative expensive proposals from foreign masters.
The design was headed by the President of the Union of Architects of Kazakhstan, Akmurza Rustembekov, who worked in a team with architects Suierkhan Bazarbaev, Zhumabek Aitbalaev, structural engineer Mark Vanshtein, and interior designer Aituar Ospanov.
The construction became a symbol of transferring the capital of Kazakhstan in 1997 from Almaty city, which is emphasized by its central location on the left bank of the Ishim (Esil) not far from such iconic sites as the House of Ministries, Round Square, and the romantic Lovers Park.
Today, this monument is considered the most popular place for excursions and panoramic photo sessions on the left bank, confirmed by the record indicator of 2019, when the attraction attracted 628 thousand visitors. The territory around the tower is designed taking into account pedestrian flows, creating a single walking axis with the government quarter, where the Ak Orda Presidential Residence rises. At the same time, at some distance from this zone spread the cozy Zhetysu Park and behind it the Central Park.
In 2010, the park areas around the monument became the venue for the famous international exhibition United Buddy Bears from Berlin, which gathered 125 unique bear sculptures.
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How to get there and visit -
The Baiterek Monument is located at the address: 14 Nurzhol Boulevard, Esil district, left bank of the Esil River, Astana city, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 51°07'42"N 71°25'50"E
You can reach this observation deck by public transport. City buses run from the avenues and neighboring streets to the stops "Baiterek Monument" or "Ministry of Foreign Affairs": No. 10, 12, 18, 21, 28, 31, 32, 46, 52, 21, 27, 28, 29, 35, 46, 50, 70, 29A.
For owners of personal cars, paid parking pockets and underground parkings of neighboring shopping and business centers are provided. Additionally, city taxi services can be used.
Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 21:00, entry to the upper levels is carried out by paid tickets.
Ticket sales are made at the ticket offices on the lower level of the tower.
Contacts: +7 7172 44 64 72 (dispatch service)
The external adjacent space of the boulevard with fountains is accessible for walks 24/7 and is completely free.
The site was officially handed over under the act of the State Commission in 2003, and for its flawless architectural embodiment, the monument was awarded the Grand Prix and the Gold Medal at the X competition of the International Association of Unions of Architects of the CIS Countries (MASA). Viewing the external facades and steel structures is free.
www.instagram.com/baiterek_monument
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History
The history of this grandiose structure began at the turn of the century. The first conceptual sketch of the future tower was drawn by Nursultan Nazarbayev on an ordinary napkin during a flight on an airplane. The metal Baiterek tower fully embodied ancient nomadic myths in metal and glass, which personifies the image of the Tree of Life, sacral for the Kazakh people, uniting three worlds: underground, terrestrial, and celestial.
The volume of completed construction works is impressive: the volume of earthworks amounted to 8600 cubic meters, concrete works – 2900 cubic meters, and the weight of metal structures exceeded 1000 tons, resting on a solid foundation of 500 piles.
During the presentation of the project, the authors detailed the engineering concept of the tower to the country's leadership, at the top of which, at a height of 76.9 meters, they managed to secure a massive chameleon glass sphere made of "SUN GLAS" brand glass by the "SUN GLAS" company, weighing about 300 tons and having a diameter of 22 meters. The glazing of this dome amounted to 1555 square meters.
The main idea of the building was to create a bright symbol of the state's aspiration into the future while preserving its historical roots.
On an improvised stage on the opening day, prominent figures spoke before the first visitors, and in 2003 at the foot of the tower a landmark event occurred – a joint prayer of the leaders of 17 world confessions, which secured the status of a center of religious tolerance for the capital.
In 2017, the monument underwent a large-scale reconstruction and modernization of internal halls, making it even more attractive for guests. Over the past years, the structure has proven its relevance, becoming the most recognizable landscape calling card of the left bank.
Information
The Baiterek Monument is arranged as a complex multifunctional space with a total area of 810 square meters, divided into three distinct levels. Excellent conditions for excursions, panoramic viewing, and holding official receptions and cultural events are created here. For fans of high-altitude panoramas, high-speed and silent lifts by the "MITSUBISHI" company are installed, lifting visitors to a height of 86 meters into the upper observation hall. Also, in the underground sector at a depth of 4.5 meters, a mini-gallery with an area of 90 square meters is located, featuring an exhibition of art objects by Kazakhstani artists, a 7-meter aquarium with fish, a photo gallery, and a cozy cafe.
The engineers paid special attention to preserving the climate balance of the structure: the glass sphere changes its color depending on the incidence of sunlight, and special night lighting controlled by computer means is capable of coloring Baiterek in 500 different shades. For convenience of navigation, digital pointers are installed on the adjacent alleys of Nurzhol Boulevard. In the summer period, festive festivals were held on the squares around the monument, and inside the upper dome with a total area of 260 square meters, visitors can study in detail the architectural layout of the new cultural and administrative center of the capital.
Detailed description of the site
The well-thought-out infrastructure of the monument includes the following original locations:
• Underground level – entry zone at a depth of 4.5 meters, where ticket terminals, a cloakroom, information stands, a photo gallery, and halls with temporary art exhibitions are located.
• Panoramic lifts – high-speed lifting systems passing through the steel shaft of the tower with a height of 97 meters and allowing guests to observe the city panorama during the lifting process.
• Circular observation deck – a hall at a height of 93 meters inside the golden glass sphere, from where a full 360-degree circular view opens up to all the ministry buildings, the Senate, the Mazhilis, the Supreme Court, and the KazMunayGas complex.
• Ayaly Alakan composition – a gilded bronze counter-relief in the center of the hall on the upper level (97 meters), representing a print of the right palm of the first president, upon touching which the song "Menің elіm" sounds.
• Wooden globe – an original round monument with 17 petals, on which authentic autographs of representatives of seventeen world religions are left, symbolizing unity and spiritual accord.
Architecture
The architectural solution of the monument is based on the principles of futuristic high-tech with the integration of deep national symbolism. All structural elements are subordinate to the vertical layout, aspiring to the golden peak. The highlight of the engineering architecture is the framework of steel supports resembling the spread branches of a giant tree, which hold the massive sphere.
During the construction of the site, durable modern materials were used: high-strength steel, special multi-layered glass of the dome with a surface area of 1553 square meters, and granite finish. The architectural ensemble blends harmoniously into the layout of the left bank, creating the main dominant of the Water-Green Boulevard.
Legend
At the core of the tower's concept lies Kazakh folklore and the fairy tale about Er-Tostik. The legend says that on the bank of the World River rises the Tree of Life – Baiterek, holding the earth with its roots and propping up the sky with its crown. Every year, the sacred bird of happiness Samruk flies to its peak to lay a golden egg in the nest – the Sun, giving life and hope. However, at the foot of the tree, between the roots, hides the evil dragon Aidahar, which eats the egg each time, symbolizing the eternal struggle between good and evil, the change of day and night, and the cycle of the seasons. The golden sphere at the top of the tower is the physical embodiment of this mythical Sun.
Another modern legend is connected with the palm print on the upper level: it is believed that if you place your hand in the gilded track "Ayaly Alakan" and sincerely make a cherished wish while looking at the endless steppe horizon, it will definitely come true.
Conclusion
The Baiterek Monument is a magnificent architectural bridge connecting the ancient mythology of nomadic tribes with the modern urban thought of the capital. A visit to this high-rise center allows guests of the city to see the scale of development of independent Kazakhstan in a single excursion.
The tower remains the main landmark for tourist routes and cultural leisure on the left bank. Excursion programs definitely include this point in the lists of must-visit places, allowing everyone to be filled with the energy of the young metropolis.
Interesting sights nearby:
• Abu Nasir Al-Farabi Mosque;
• "Lovers" Monument (My Happiness);
• Khan Shatyr SEC;
• Astana Opera Theater;
• Linear Park;
• "Kazakhstan" Central Concert Hall;
• Emerald Quarter;
• Korme Exhibition Center.
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