The main artery of the city and the symbol of modern Almaty -
City streets and avenues of Almaty -
Abai Avenue is one of the most famous and picturesque avenues of the southern capital of Kazakhstan. It stretches across the entire city from east to west, connecting the historical center with new districts, and has become a real symbol of Almaty urban life.
This is not just one of the main thoroughfares of the metropolis, but also a true chronicle in stone and greenery. The avenue, named after the great Kazakh poet and thinker Abai Kunanbayev, is a place where history is intertwined with modernity, and the bustling rhythm of a big city is adjacent to the cozy shade of its famous trees. For a traveler, this is a must–visit point on the map that allows you to feel the true spirit of the southern capital of Kazakhstan.
Thousands of people pass through it – someone is in a hurry to work, someone is walking in the evening, someone is driving a car, and someone is just enjoying the view of the Almaty Mountains and the mountains of the Trans Ili Alatau, opening between the houses.
The history of the avenue
The history of Abai Avenue began in the Soviet years, when the city of Alma Ata was actively growing and expanding. Initially, the street was named differently, but in the middle of the 20th century it was named after Abai, a man who became a symbol of Kazakh literature and the spiritual awakening of the people.
Since then, the avenue has become one of the central thoroughfares of the city, around which theaters, museums, universities and residential areas have been built.
There has always been a lot of life here: numerous buses and trolleybuses have been traveling along the avenue, parades, demonstrations and city holidays have been held. Today it is a modern, well-maintained street with wide alleys, pedestrian crossings and cozy cafes.
Architecture and attractions
Abai Avenue is famous not only for its length and transport significance, but also for the fact that the most important cultural and architectural sites of the city are located along it.
Here are:
• Monument to Abai Kunanbayev
• Palace of the Republic
• Central Library
• Lermontov Theater
• Central Stadium
• Almaty Circus
• Mukhtar Auezov Drama Theater
• Sports Palace
• Fantasy World Amusement Park
• Family Park
The architecture of the avenue is diverse: from the Stalinist Empire style to modern glass facades. Many buildings are decorated with stucco, columns and arches – they remind of the classic look of Almaty in the middle of the XX century.
Modern life and atmosphere
Abai Avenue is the living heart of the city.
During the day, traffic reigns here – cars, students, tourists, people rushing about their business.
And in the evening, the avenue is transformed: the soft light of lanterns, the greenery of trees and cozy benches create an atmosphere of relaxation and comfort.
There are shops, coffee shops, and restaurants on both sides of the street, and exhibitions, festivals, and street concerts are often held at the intersection with Dostyk Avenue. Families, youth and travelers walk here on weekends, and tourists note that it is on Abai Avenue that you can feel the real soul of Almaty.
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How to get there and visit
Abai Avenue passes through several districts of the city – Bostandyksky, Almalinsky and Medeusky. It starts from Saina Street and stretches to Dostyk Street.
Abai Avenue serves as a key transportation artery of Almaty. Public transport is represented here by numerous routes: buses No. 3 (night), 12, 14, 25, 26, 34, 44, 53, 55, 57, 59, 62, 65, 66, 70, 72, 78, 85, 92, 95, 98, 99, 104, 104a, 109, 110, 118, 120, 128 and trolleybuses No. 5, 11, 19, 25.
It is noteworthy that Abai Avenue is a land-based analogue of the only line of the Almaty metro. Most of the metro stations are located along this highway: "Abaya", "Baikonur", "M. Auezov Theater", "Alatau", "Sayran", "Moscow", "Saryarka", "Baurzhan Momyshuly".
The avenue forms important transport interchanges with B. Momyshuly, Sain, T. Ozala, Rozybakiev, Tlendiev, Zharokov, M. Auezov, Manas, Baitursynov, Masanchi, Ualikhanov Streets and Dostyk, Nazarbayev, Abylai Khan, Gagarin, Seifullin Avenues.
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Interesting facts
– Abai Avenue is one of the longest in Almaty, its length is more than 10 kilometers.
– There are many old poplars and fir trees along the avenue, creating a green corridor even in the hot summer.
– It is on Abai Avenue that one of the most popular places for photo shoots is located – the fountain in front of the Auezov Theater.
– Bike parades, city marathons and festive processions are held on the avenue.
Legend and legend
They say that if you walk along Abai Avenue in the early morning, when the sun is just rising over the mountains, and read to yourself lines from Abai's poems, the day will definitely turn out well.
Old-timers claim that the spirit of the great poet still preserves this avenue, inspiring people to kindness, wisdom and the pursuit of knowledge.
It is believed that if you make a wish at dawn at the opera and Ballet Theater, it will surely come true – after all, it was here, according to legend, that Abai himself once stopped, looking at the future city.
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