The main caravanserai of the modern capital, a step away from Baiterek -
A unique space for shopping and carefree leisure in the heart of the capital -
Keruen Shopping and Entertainment Center, whose name translates from Kazakh as "caravan," is an iconic destination for residents and guests of Astana. Located on the city's main pedestrian artery – Nurzhol Boulevard – the complex offers visitors a symbolic journey from the East to Europe.
The center's design project reflects the stages of the ancient trade route: the first floors immerse you in the atmosphere of the markets of China and Afghanistan, while the upper levels embody the European part of the route.
Since its opening in 2008, Keruen has become more than just a shopping platform; it is a cultural hub located in the "Astana – New City" special economic zone. Thanks to open atriums that allow viewing galleries from all levels and a rich program of events – from concerts to exhibitions – the center maintains its status as one of the most visited objects in the capital.
This is a place where historical concepts harmoniously coexist with cutting-edge service and the rhythm of a modern metropolis. Next to the shopping center is the Keruen Park, where you can take a walk.
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How to get there and visit -
Keruen Shopping and Entertainment Center is located at: 9 Dostyk Street, 1st floor, between the National Library and the Northern Lights residential complex, left bank of the Ishim River, Yesil district, Astana city, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 51°07'39"N 71°25'30"E
Due to its central location, it is easily reachable on foot from the Baiterek monument. For those using public transport, bus routes No. 12, 30, 32, 40, 46, 51, 56 are suitable.
A taxi stand is equipped nearby, and for fans of active movement, parking for bicycles and scooters is provided.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday from 10:00 to 22:00
Contacts: +7 7172 79‒55‒20; +7 7172 79 55 22; +7 7172 79 55 15
Official SEC website
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History
The history of Keruen began in 2008 when it opened its doors as one of the first large-scale shopping and entertainment complexes in the new administrative center. The main idea was to create a space that would transmit Kazakhstan's cultural code as a bridge between civilizations.
Over the years, the center has become a launchpad for many global brands entering the Kazakhstani market and has established itself as a place with a consistently high level of comfort.
It is important not to confuse the Keruen on the left bank with the Keruencity SEC (formerly MEGA Astana), which opened in 2007 on Korgalzhyn Highway. Despite the similarity of names after the 2016 rebranding, it is the Keruen on Nurzhol Boulevard that remains the "heart" of the tourist route, neighboring the State Archives and the government quarter, attracting thousands of foreign tourists annually with its unique concept.
Information
The complex includes 5 floors, one of which is an underground car park. On the four above-ground levels, there are more than 130 departments offering goods ranging from accessible brands to the luxury segment, such as Hugo Boss, Guess, and Bogner. The anchor tenant is the popular Galmart supermarket. One-third of all leased space is dedicated to entertainment, making the center ideal for family leisure.
The infrastructure is designed for maximum convenience: a seven-screen Kinopark IMAX cinema, the Babylon children's entertainment park, as well as numerous coffee shops and a food-court area operate here. Free Wi-Fi, mother and child rooms, a prayer room, and a wide range of household services – from dry cleaning to bank branches – are available to visitors. The presence of escalators, travelators, and elevators ensures easy access to all zones of the center.
Detailed description of the object
The interior of Keruen is a visual interpretation of the caravan route. Walking through the galleries of the first and second floors, visitors feel as if they are passing through the Kashgar bazaar, experiencing the aesthetics of the East.
Panoramic glazing and skylights fill the building with natural light, creating a sense of space. The architecture of the atriums allows viewing movement on all levels simultaneously, emphasizing the dynamics of the shopping center.
The first floor focuses on flagship cosmetic and jewelry boutiques, as well as pharmacies and cozy restaurants. Moving higher, guests find zones for youth fashion and home goods.
The third floor is a magnet for foodies and moviegoers, where you can relax after shopping. Keruen successfully combines the functionality of a modern shopping platform with the atmosphere of a hospitable eastern market.
Architecture
The architectural style of the Keruen SEC combines the rigor of modern lines with elements of traditional architecture. The use of five entrances ensures an even flow of visitors from the side of key landmarks of the left bank.
The building is designed as part of the unified "New City" ensemble, where glass and metal emphasize high technology, while the interior decoration with ethnic motifs recalls ancestral roots.
The well-thought-out system of vertical communications (elevators and escalators) makes moving between "China" and "Europe" inside the building fast and comfortable, turning the complex logistics of shopping halls into an intuitive route.
Legend
Among the townspeople, there is a legend that Keruen was built on a site where invisible paths of nomads crossed in ancient times.
They say the center's name possesses magical power: any traveler who enters here with good intentions will find "treasures" – if not material, then spiritual ones.
In folklore, it is believed that if you look up to the sky in the central atrium and make a wish at the moment a sunbeam hits the first-floor floor, your undertaking will be successful and profitable, like a merchant's lucky deal in Kashgar.
Another legend says that the spirit of the Great Silk Road protects this place, which is why an atmosphere of tranquility and prosperity always reigns in Keruen, and every visitor feels like a guest in a wealthy tent.
For Astanans, this is not just a store, but a symbol that the modern capital continues the traditions of the great exchange of knowledge and culture started hundreds of years ago by caravans in the vast steppe.
Interesting landmarks nearby:
• Round Square;
• Lovers' Park;
• Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center;
• Abu Nasir Al-Farabi Mosque;
• Ak Orda Presidential Residence;
• Korme Exhibition Center.
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