Mountain silhouette of the past, preserving the memory of the city -
The silent guardian over the streets of the old capital -
The old TV-Radio tower in Almaty has long ceased to be a technical facility and has become one of those rare symbols that have absorbed the spirit of the times. It is located in the central part of the city next to the New Square (Republic of Kazakhstan Square), simple and austere, reminiscent of the first steps of television broadcasting in Kazakhstan and the rapid growth of Almaty, which once only began to climb its hillsides.
It can be seen from afar – a thin metal structure seems to point to the sky, and the old private sector, which has preserved the mood of the former city, is quietly rustling around. For many, this tower is a part of childhood, a landmark by which they recognized the area, returned home, and built their first routes. The Monument of Independence of Kazakhstan and the city Akimat (government building) are located next to the tower. Currently, this TV tower is used only for radio frequency maintenance. All the radio channels that you hear in Almaty are broadcast from this tower.
History
The old TV tower appeared in Almaty at a time when television was just beginning to develop as a mass means of communication. It was built during the Soviet period in 1958, and served as one of the first pillars of the city's broadcasting equipment.
Its installation was an important step in the development of Kazakhstan's television and radio network – the tower provided a stable signal and remained a key element of the city's infrastructure for many years. With the growth of Almaty and the advent of new technologies, its role gradually decreased, and over time it gave way to the more modern Kok-Tobe TV tower, which was built on Kok-Tobe Mountain and which is the tallest TV tower in the world.
But it has not lost its significance: the old TV tower has become a part of the city's memory and architecture, preserving the atmosphere of the time when Alma Ata was just forming its technological appearance.
Architecture and construction
The old TV tower is made in a classic metal frame style typical of Soviet technological facilities. Its height is 192 meters, it is used for broadcasting a radio signal.
It is not decorated with decorative elements – only functionality, pure engineering and strict lines.
This conciseness makes it recognizable: the tower has become part of the urban silhouette, a small but important accent against the background of the southern mountain slopes.
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How to get there and visit -
The old TV tower is located in the center of Almaty on Satpayev Street, between Nauryzbai Batyr Street and Zheltoksan Street, next to Republic Square, Bostandyk district, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 43°14'18"N 76°56'24"E
To get to the place, you can use buses: numbers 32 and 205 run along Zheltoksan Street, and routes numbered 95 and 121 run along neighboring Satpayev Street. In addition, you can easily come here by your own car or use taxi services through a special mobile application.
The entrance to the tower is closed, it is a strategic facility, so it is impossible to get there. You can admire or take photos of the tower only outside the fenced area.
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Legend and legend
Residents of the surrounding houses tell an old story that in the first years after the tower was installed, a bluish glow often appeared around it at night, as if the structure itself was collecting electrical energy from the air. It was said that this was the "breath of the city", its youth and its desire to develop.
Another legend claims that the TV tower has always served as an unspoken landmark symbol: if you see it from afar, it means you are at home, you are in Almaty. Many people still use her silhouette as an emotional beacon, bringing them back to the past.
Interesting sights nearby:
• Kazakh National Agrarian University;
• Palace of Schoolchildren;
• Russian Drama Theater named after M. Lermontov;
• Monument to Yuri Pomerantsev;
• Central State Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan;
• Monument "Dawn of Freedom".
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