A symbol of strength, unity and statehood of the Kazakh people -
Historical sights of Almaty -
The monument to Abylai Khan is one of the most magnificent monuments in Almaty, symbolizing the national pride and spiritual strength of the Kazakh people. Located in the heart of the city, this monument embodies the ideals of independence and unification that the great Khan aspired to. For Almaty residents and guests of the capital of the south, it has become an important cultural and patriotic landmark, where history and modernity meet in one space.
Abylai Khan was an outstanding ruler of the XVIII century, a politician and diplomat who united the Kazakh zhuzes and strengthened the statehood of Kazakhstan. His name is inextricably linked with the struggle for freedom, the preservation of traditions and the formation of national identity.
The history of the monument's creation
The idea of erecting a monument to the Great Khan was born in the late 1990s, when Kazakhstan celebrated important stages of its independence. The image of Abylai Khan was considered not just as a symbol of the past, but also as the spiritual core of the new Kazakh statehood.
The monument was inaugurated in 2000 and has become one of the main historical attractions of Almaty. The place was chosen symbolically, the monument is located on Abylai Khan Street just below Rayymbek Avenue, in an area where the history and modernity of the city merge into a single space. The Almaty-2 railway Station is located next to the monument.
The creation of the monument has become a matter of honor for the city. Sculptors and architects sought to convey not only the image of the Khan as a ruler, but also the depth of his personality – wisdom, determination and spiritual strength. Famous masters of Kazakhstan participated in the work on the monument – sculptor K. K. Satybaldin, architects T. E. Yeraliev, Z. S. Baymagambetov, V. I. Sidorov.
The opening of the monument was accompanied by a solemn ceremony with the participation of statesmen, veterans and members of the public.
Architecture and artistic image
The monument is a monumental bronze figure of Abylai Khan on horseback, mounted on a massive granite pedestal. The height of the entire composition is about 12 meters, of which almost half is the equestrian figure.
Khan is depicted at the moment of a solemn movement forward his gaze is fixed on the future, he holds a symbol of power and strength in his hand, and his pose conveys determination, dignity and confidence. The sculptors achieved a special effect: the bronze horse seemed ready to take off, embodying the spirit of the steppes free, proud and unconquered.
The inscription is embossed on the granite base: "Abylai Khan is a symbol of unity, courage and independence of the Kazakh people."
The architectural composition is based on the proportions of the urban environment. In the evening, the monument is illuminated with a soft golden light, which gives the bronze contours a lively glow. The monument looks especially beautiful at sunset, when the warm rays of the sun fall on the metal, as if reminding of the eternal legacy of the khan.
Historical information about the personality of Abylai Khan
Abylai Khan (1711-1781) was a great ruler, diplomat and commander who went down in history as the unifier of the Kazakh lands. A descendant of Genghis Khan through the Joshi line, he showed outstanding abilities from a young age, both in military affairs and in politics.
In the 18th century, when the Kazakh steppe was threatened by the Dzungars and was in conditions of fragmentation, it was Abylai who managed to rally the three zhuzes and strengthen statehood. He achieved recognition of his power both inside and outside the country: he maintained relations with Russia and China, while preserving the independence of his people.
His wisdom, diplomatic talent and ability to see strategic prospects made him not just a ruler, but a symbol of the Kazakh nation. Abylai Khan was not only a warrior, but also a cultural figure, he patronized the Akyns, contributed to the preservation of traditions, oral poetry and the spiritual heritage of the steppes.
Streets, cities, universities, and cultural institutions are named in his memory. His name is a symbol of dignity, wisdom and fortitude.
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How to get there and visit
The monument to Abylai Khan is located in the center of Almaty, on Abylai Khan Street, just below Rayymbek Avenue, on the forecourt of Almaty-2 railway station, Zhetysu district, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 43°16'22"N 76°56'21"E
The monument is located in front of the square of the railway station "Almaty-2", so it is most convenient to get to it by public transport. Buses No. 12, 23, 208 and trolleybuses No. 5, 6 are suitable. You can also use a private car or taxi.
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Legend
There are several beautiful legends associated with the monument.
According to one of them, on public holidays, when the sun rises directly over the rider's head, his bronze face seems to come to life reflecting the golden rays of the steppe sun. People believe that this is a sign that the spirit of Abylai Khan is still protecting his people today.
There is another story: if you stand at the foot of the monument, put your hand on your heart and mentally ask the Khan for courage and wisdom, the forces will surely arrive. It is no coincidence that young people often come here before important events in their lives exams, speeches, military service or a new business.
For the residents of Almaty, the monument has become a place of memory and inspiration, where people come with flowers on Independence Day, Nauryz and public holidays.
A touch of history
The monument to Abylai Khan is not just a bronze monument. It is the embodiment of national memory, pride and fortitude. He reminds every Kazakhstani that freedom and independence are not just words, but a legacy won through courage and hard work.
Here you can feel the breath of history, see how the past and present of Kazakhstan are combined in a single symbol. For tourists, this is one of the must–see places, not only for the sake of photography, but for the sake of a sense of belonging to a great culture and people who have managed to preserve their identity.
The monument to Abylai Khan is a place of power, where history sounds like bronze and wind, and the spirit of the steppe continues to live among the stone and light of the city.
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