The architectural gem of the old town -
Historical buildings and architectural monuments of Almaty -
The Kyzyl Tan Trading House is one of the most recognizable and revered buildings in the historical center of Almaty, also known as the "House of Fabrics and Accessories". It is located in the ancient eastern part of the city, at the intersection of Panfilov and Zhibek Zholy streets, where the breath of the past is still felt and the atmosphere of the pre-revolutionary Verniy city has been preserved. This is one of the few buildings that has survived to this day almost in its original form, becoming a living symbol of the urban history and architectural heritage of Kazakhstan.
Built in 1912, the building belonged to Tatar merchants, representatives of a wealthy trading dynasty that made a significant contribution to the economic development of the region. Fabrics, tableware, tea, oriental spices, jewelry and copper goods were sold here. In those years, Kyzyl Tan was not just a trading house, but the center of old Vernyi life – residents from all over the city flocked here, business conversations were conducted here, news was exchanged and deals were concluded.
The name "Kyzyl Tan", which means "Red Dawn" in Tatar, symbolized a new beginning, dawn and prosperity. This name reflected faith in the future, in renewal and creation.
The building became part of the old look of Almaty, having survived the revolution, the Soviet era, the change of epochs and economic formations. Even after numerous restorations, it has retained its individuality – oriental flavor, refined architectural details and the spirit of the merchant era. Today, the Kyzyl Tan trading house is considered one of the main architectural gems of Almaty, a symbol of the stability of time and a connecting thread between the past and the present.
History of the building
The trading house began its history at the beginning of the 20th century, when Verniy was actively developing as a commercial and cultural center of Semirechye. At that time, the first brick buildings, shops, tea shops and merchant houses appeared on the streets of the city. Kyzyl Tan became one of the first large commercial buildings designed in a mixed style with elements of Russian eclecticism and oriental ornaments.
During the time of the Russian Empire, there were shopping malls selling fabrics, silk, tea, spices and rare oriental goods. Later, during the Soviet period, the building was used for government stores and offices, but it always remained in the field of trade.
After the collapse of the USSR, the building was restored and became home to modern shops, galleries and cafes. At the same time, the restorers tried to preserve the original facades, arches and decorative elements in order to convey the atmosphere of the old city.
Architecture and features
The architecture of Kyzyl Tana is an example of a combination of oriental decorativeness and European symmetry. The building is two-storeyed, built of brick, with a powerful plinth and large arched windows.
The facade is decorated with stucco ornaments, elegant columns and geometric patterns typical of Tatar and Kazakh architecture of the early 20th century. The central part is distinguished by a wide entrance portal framed by an arch and decorative capitals.
Special attention is drawn to the roof with patterned cornices and antique wrought iron details – they were restored during the restoration in the 2000s. Parts of the old masonry, wooden stairs and fragments of ancient floors have been preserved inside the building, giving the interior a special charm.
Cultural significance
Today, the Kyzyl Tan trading house is included in the list of architectural monuments of local importance. This is not just a beautiful building, but an important part of the cultural identity of Almaty.
"Kyzyl Tan" symbolizes the connection of times and the continuity of generations. It reminds us of what the city was like a hundred years ago – when the noise of the bazaar reigned in its streets, horse bells rang, and merchants greeted each other at the doors of shops.
For many Almaty residents, this place has become a part of memory and urban romance. Here you can feel the spirit of the old city – slow, warm, filled with the aromas of oriental spices and the rustle of footsteps on the pavement.
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How to get there and visit
The Kyzyl Tan Trading house is located in the very center of Almaty, at: Ualikhanov Street, 47, corner of Zhibek Zholy Street, Medeu district, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 43°15'45"N 76°57'01"E
Due to its central location, it is very easy to get to the Kyzyl Tan trading house. For example, if you are traveling by bus No. 63 along Makatayev Street, you need to get off at Kunayev Street and cover the remaining 450 meters on foot. Another option is to take bus No. 8, also following Makataev Street, get to Valikhanov Street and walk 300 meters from there. Another convenient route is bus No. 13 to the Kunaeva Street stop, from where you can walk to the shopping center in 2-3 minutes. In addition, you can always take a taxi or your own car.
The building is located next to Almaty Arbat, Panfilov Street, TSUM and other attractions, which makes it an obligatory stop on the tourist route through the old center of Almaty.
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Legends and interesting facts
According to legends, merchants stored tea, coffee, spices and even gold in the basement of Kyzyl Tan. There were rumors that there was a secret underground passage under the building leading to other shops on Panfilov Street.
Old-timers recall that earlier the air inside the house was saturated with the smell of spices, cotton and old wood. This fragrance, according to visitors, can be felt even today.
Photographers and artists often choose this location for filming – the facade of the building looks especially beautiful at sunset, when the sun's rays play on the stucco patterns and antique windows.
Kyzyl Tan Trading House is a living breath of old Almaty
Kyzyl Tan is more than a building. It is a living memory of the city, a symbol of ancient trade, cultural unity and the time when Almaty was a small eastern city at the intersection of caravan routes.
Visiting this place is like traveling through time. Here, the past is side by side with the present, and the story continues in every brick, in every arch, and in every glint of sunlight on the old windows.
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