Great poet and a symbol of the brotherhood of peoples -
Monuments to writers and cultural figures of Kazakhstan -
The Taras Shevchenko Monument is one of the most significant works of monumental art in Almaty. It is dedicated to the great Ukrainian poet, artist, and thinker, whose work became a symbol of freedom, humanism, and spiritual kinship between the peoples of Kazakhstan and Ukraine.
The monument is located in the eastern-central part of the city, on the corner of Shevchenko Street and Dostyk Avenue, next to a cozy square housing a monument to Alexander Pushkin and the Zodiac Signs (Eastern Horoscope) fountain.
This place is more than just a monument, it is a space of memory, culture, and respect, uniting generations and peoples.
History
The monument was unveiled in 2000 to coincide with the 9th anniversary of Ukraine's independence. The idea for the monument came from the Ukrainian Embassy in Kazakhstan, with the support of the Almaty City Administration. Thus, the monument became a sign of respect for the poet, whose works inspired generations to believe in freedom, justice, and human dignity.
The sculpture was created by Ukrainian artisans under the direction of Vitaliy Ryzhyk, and the material used for the monument was natural granite quarried in the Zhytomyr region of Ukraine. This adds a special symbolism the stone from which the monument was erected was brought from Shevchenko's homeland.
Architecture and Image
The monument has an unusual shape it represents a granite wave, from which the poet's head, facing forward, seems to "grow."
This design symbolizes the wave of national consciousness, the strength of spirit, and the eternal movement of thought that were inherent in Taras Shevchenko.
The granite surface seems to come alive in the sunlight, reflecting the play of shadows, creating the feeling that the poet has just emerged from the stone to speak to the people once again. This is not a stern bust or a classical sculpture, it is a philosophical image, filled with inner energy and freedom.
Taras Shevchenko and Kazakhstan
Shevchenko's connection to Kazakhstan is no coincidence. In the mid-19th century, he spent seven years of exile there, in the Novopetrovsk fortification (now the city of Fort Shevchenko in the Mangystau region). Despite the harsh conditions and the ban on writing and drawing, it was on Kazakh soil that he created numerous watercolors and poems imbued with a love for the people and nature of the steppe.
The Kazakhs warmly welcomed the exiled poet, and he forever retained a gratitude for this land. In his letters and works, Shevchenko wrote of the Kazakh people with deep respect, calling them "brotherly and kind."
Therefore, the unveiling of the monument in Almaty was more than just a diplomatic gesture – it is a sign of historical memory and human friendship that arose in difficult times and has endured to this day.
The Monument's Significance
Today, the Shevchenko monument is more than just an architectural landmark; it's a cultural center for the Ukrainian diaspora and residents of Almaty. Literary evenings, concerts, and flower-laying ceremonies are often held here in honor of Ukraine's Independence Day and the poet's birthday anniversary.
Many tourists come here not only out of respect, but also for the atmosphere: the place is filled with tranquility, creative energy, and a special warmth.
On November 10, 2010, the monument was officially designated a historical and cultural monument of local significance, and in 2014, protected zones were established to preserve the site for future generations.
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How to get there and visit
The Taras Shevchenko monument is located in Almaty on Shevchenko Street, corner of Dostyk Avenue, Medeu District, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 43°14'49"N 76°57'24"E
The site has a well-developed transportation infrastructure. It is served by bus routes #5, 5A, 5B, 29, 29P, 48, 65, 66, 120, 121, 141, and trolleybus routes #11, 19, and 25. It is also accessible by taxi or private car.
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Poet's living legacy
The Taras Shevchenko monument in Almaty is more than just stone and metal. It is part of a shared history in which two peoples – Ukrainian and Kazakh – found common ground in spirit, art, and memory.
Here, among the Almaty streets and mountain air, the image of the poet reminds us of the power of words, of freedom, of humanity that transcends distances and eras.
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