Memorable places and monuments of the city of Almaty -
Guided tour of the parks and squares of the southern capital -
The monument to Shamshi Kaldayakov is a touching tribute to the great composer, whose songs have become a symbol of an entire era and entered the golden fund of Kazakh music. The monument was installed in 2019 in one of the cozy squares behind the Kazakhstan Hotel next to the Palace of the Republic. The monument attracts the attention of both residents and guests of Almaty, because the name of Shamshi Kaldayakov is inextricably linked with the melody of the Kazakh soul. The monument itself harmoniously fits into the urban space, creating an atmosphere of comfort and poetic mood. Passersby like to stop here to relax, take photos, or just remember lines and melodies familiar from childhood.
Shamshi Kaldayakov is depicted sitting full-length on a bench, his right leg crossed over his left leg, a notebook on his knee, which he holds with his left hand. The poet has a jacket on, not dressed, but draped over his shoulders, which depicts the lightness and ease of the poet's pose. With his right hand, the poet seems to pull up his jacket and look into the distance, while composing a new melody in his thoughts. The poet is dressed in shoes, trousers, shirt and jacket, with a cap on his head.
How to get there and visit
The monument to Shamshi Kaldayakov is located in Almaty in the park behind the Kazakhstan Hotel, on Kurmangazy Street, corner of Karmysova Street, next to the Palace of the Republic, Medeu district, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 43°14'40"N 76°57'32"E
Take any bus running along Dostyk Avenue (for example, bus No. 12, 29, 48, 66 or 121) and get off at the Kazakhstan Hotel stop. From here, you only need to go up to Kurmangazy Street and walk a little ahead. The monument will be on the right, in the park. It will only take you a few minutes! For maximum comfort, you can take a taxi.
Shamshi Kaldayakov
Shamshi Kaldayakov (1930-1992) is one of the brightest and most beloved composers of Kazakhstan. He is called the "king of the Kazakh waltz song", because it was he who managed to combine national motifs with modern sound, creating melodies that still sound fresh and soulful today. His work has become the voice of time, songs that have educated entire generations.
The future composer was born in the Turkestan region, showing extraordinary musicality from a young age. He did not receive an academic education, but possessed an amazing melodic gift, thanks to which his works became truly folk. Kaldayakov created more than 300 songs, including "Arys zhagasynda", "Tyn elim", "Akmandailym", "Kayykta", "Gulder-ai" and many others. But his most famous composition was "Menin Kazakstanym" ("My Kazakhstan"), which years later was approved as the national anthem of the country – the greatest recognition of the importance of his work for the people.
For Kazakhstan, the figure of Shamshi Kaldayakov is not only an outstanding musician, but also a symbol of national unity. His work awakened love for the Motherland, inspired heroic deeds and gave hope. The monument has become a kind of meeting place for generations, because both the elders and the young come here – everyone finds something of their own in his music.
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