A unique sculptural complex in the old city center -
"The Tree of Life" Fountain is a unique architectural and spiritual site in the city of Astana. The structure, which has a rich history, impresses with its beauty and grandeur: its classical monumental style with a deep philosophical subtext attracts the attention of every passerby at the crossroads of the old center near the majestic Monument to Khan Kenesary and the famous Astana Arbat.
The construction of this unique center, opened on July 6, 2000, on Zhan alan Square (also known as Zhas ala), was carried out with the support of the state, becoming a clear confirmation of care for developing the potential of the cultural space in the republic, which is underscored by its location near the historical Makhambet Utemisov Schoolchildren's Palace.
This complex serves as the main methodical and creative core of the city's fountain system, coordinating walking routes. Through the functioning of such a legendary institution, an example of openness and respect for national cultural traditions is demonstrated.
The light facades of the surrounding administrative buildings perfectly complement the historical appearance of the district. The fountain structure is located near the spacious City Square, and its square offers a view of the lively pedestrian corridors that lead to the Ishim River Embankment. At this point of the right bank, two different eras harmoniously intertwine.
The sculptural composition occupies a central place in the cultural landscape, being located in a convenient transport and pedestrian corridor near the State Academic Maxim Gorky Russian Drama Theatre and the Trading House of Merchant Matvey Kubrin. The historical heritage is carefully preserved here. The administration connects the architectural center with the main walking areas. It naturally neighbors the nearby recreational spaces of the ancient House of Merchant Vasily Kubrin, where every visitor can find their guiding star.
---------------------------------------------
How to get there and visit -
The "Tree of Life" Fountain is located in the square of streets at the address: Abai Avenue corner of Zhenis Street, Zheltoksan Street corner of Begeldinov Street, right bank of the Ishim River, Saryarka district, Astana city, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 51°09'58"N 71°24'55"E
The transport accessibility of the site is ideal. City buses No. 9, 21, 25, 31, 73 go to the fountain. Free parking zones are provided for drivers along Kenesary Street and the adjacent Respublika Avenue.
Also, to get to the fountain, you can use taxi services via a special mobile application.
Opening hours: the fountain operates in the summer period (from May to October) daily from 10:00 to 23:00, the evening illumination turns on automatically at dusk.
In the winter season, the water system is winterized, but the sculptural composition itself is available for viewing 24/7.
Contacts: for questions regarding territory improvement, you can contact the office of the akim of Saryarka district.
Entrance to the territory of the square is free, and learning about the history and architecture of the complex is free of charge, subject to order.
---------------------------------------------
History
The history of the creation of the "Tree of Life" Fountain began at the turn of the millennia. It was officially opened on July 6, 2000, on Zhan alan Square, and the solemn event itself was timed to the 60th anniversary of the first president of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev. The author of the project is the famous sculptor and artist Azat Bayarlin (Boyarlin), who is a native of Tselinograd.
Over the past decades, the artificial water source has blended so harmoniously into the urban landscape that it seems to local residents as if it has always stood here. For a provincial town, the appearance of a monument of such scale became a grand event, giving the residents true freedom of choice of places for aesthetic leisure. With the acquisition of capital status, the significance of the complex increased, international cooperation in the field of urban planning began, and the site was included in all official tourist guidebooks.
Over the years of operation, city services have carefully preserved this monument, which became a symbol of the continuity of generations. Having abandoned the burden of unified mandatory requirements of Soviet constructivism, the masters created a plastic, living form reflecting the mythology of ancient nomads.
In recent years alone, this square has welcomed millions of guests, becoming a witness to the most important stages of Astana's development. Today, this center is proud of a living success story that continues to open the way to friendship and creativity for the younger generation.
Information
The "Tree of Life" Fountain is a multifunctional cultural space harmoniously integrated into the green oasis of the right bank. Within the structure of the complex, ideal conditions have been created for the intellectual, aesthetic, and physical growth of each visitor. A wide choice of visual elements is available to guests: a monumental bronze tree, symbolic figures of totem animals, cascading water flows, and granite bowls. The high results of artistic execution are confirmed by the recognition of leading art critics of Kazakhstan and abroad.
For the intellectual development of youth and acquaintance with the cultural code of nomads, information tablets are installed at the foot of the monument. A professional team of city designers ensures an individual approach to landscape design, laying out bright flower beds around it. The complex is fully equipped with modern materials, hydrotechnical systems, economical neon illumination, and comfortable benches to ensure a complete cultural process.
Detailed description of the object
The unique engineering and creative infrastructure of the fountain complex includes specialized zones and elements:
• Sculptural core – a central pylon in the form of a branching tree, from the crown of which water flows, symbolizing the eternal cycle of life and prosperity, where the stage mastery of nature is born.
• Animalistic belt – figures of the sacred animals of nomads (horse, bull, ram, and camel) located on the four cardinal points, acting as symbols of the four elements in Turkic mythology.
• Cascading three-level system – cascades of three tiers of bowls, where water falls from the crown to the first tier, then goes to the second, reinforced by flows from the mouths of the animals, and the lower jets feed the inexhaustible source.
• Recreational square – a landscaped green zone with mature trees, alleys, and benches, surrounding the monument and protecting visitors from city noise in the middle of a lively block.
• Evening illumination zone – a specialized system of artistic lighting, turning the complex into a fairytale light installation in the dark hours of the day, crowned with symbolic dragon heads.
Architecture
The architectural appearance of the fountain represents a classical example of modern Kazakhstani monumental plastic arts with elements of symbolism. The main facade of the composition is oriented towards Respublika Avenue, emphasizing the public status of the site. The internal layout of the hydrotechnical unit is designed according to a spacious closed scheme, which allows the distribution of flows of thousands of cubic meters of recycled water. The city received a reliable, durable structure made of high-quality bronze, granite, and concrete, which harmoniously fitted into the panorama of the right bank, neighboring quiet squares and the embankment of the Ishim River.
Legend
Among the citizens and guides lives an old legend about the "Guiding Star": they say that on the opening day of the fountain in 2000, an invisible spark of inspiration lit up over its bronze crown, and every person who sincerely seeks their talent or makes an important life decision by these waters is sure to find their true calling.
Another legend is connected with Turkic mythology: they believe that the trinity of the tree (where the roots are the underground world of ancestors, the trunk is the middle world of the present, and the branches are the spiritual future of descendants) helps young entrepreneurs and poets find a strong creative voice, giving them confidence in their abilities and victories in the most difficult international competitions.
Conclusion
The "Tree of Life" Fountain is a bridge between the glorious past of the ancient steppe and the innovative future of Kazakhstan. A visit to this memorial center of urban aesthetics allows one to feel the spirit of continuity and care that surrounds the cultural heritage. Thanks to its location near the Monument to Khan Kenesary, the Astana Arbat, and the Central Park, the fountain remains the main landmark for family and cultural leisure on the right bank.
Tourist routes invite everyone to come here to be inspired by the energy of youth and creation.
Interesting attractions nearby:
• Atyrau Pedestrian Bridge;
• Amphitheatre on the Ishim River;
• Ailand Family Recreation Center;
• Ataturk Park;
• Zher-Ana Monument;
• Military History Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Photogallery:
