Tour to the main square of Almaty -
Architectural sights of the Southern Capital -
Golden Warrior Monument (The Monument of Independence of Kazakhstan) is a majestic symbol of sovereignty and national dignity, located in the very center of Almaty on Independence Square. It was opened in December 1996 in honor of the fifth anniversary of Kazakhstan's independence, and since then it has become a real hallmark not only of the city, but of the entire state. The central part of the complex is a granite column about 28 meters high, topped with a gilded figure of the Golden Man, a Saka warrior who has become a symbol of national revival and cultural continuity. He holds a scepter in his hands, and under his feet stands a winged leopard, a mythical animal that embodies the strength, courage and independence of the people of Kazakhstan. The square where the independence monument is located offers a beautiful panorama of the mountains of Almaty, as well as a good view of the city Akimat. There is an underground shopping mall on the square. Benches have been set up next to the monument for recreation, and beautiful cascading fountains work here in the summer.
How to get there and visit -
The Monument of Independence of Kazakhstan (Golden Warrior Monument) is located on the central square of the Republic, next to the city Akimat on Satpayev Street, between Nazarbayev Avenue and Zheltoksan Street, Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 43°14'18"N 76°56'43"E
Information -
At the foot of the column of the Independence Monument of Kazakhstan, there are bas–reliefs made in bronze, which reflect key milestones in the country's history - from ancient nomadic times to the present. Here you can see scenes from the life of the Saka tribes, images of great khans, batyrs and enlighteners, as well as events of the twentieth century, including independence. These compositions create a kind of historical chronicle, reminding that today's Kazakhstan grew up on a solid foundation of a rich past. The architectural design of the monument is made taking into account traditions and national flavor. The column seems to connect the earth and the sky, symbolizing the aspiration of the Kazakh people to the heights of development and prosperity. Below the monument is a spacious park where residents and guests of Almaty like to walk, and Republic Square itself has long been a venue for important state and cultural events.
Architecture -
The monument's exposition stretches for 180 meters, like a historical ribbon inscribed in the space of the square. In the center of the composition stands an elegant stele with a height of 28 meters, reminiscent of the Mangyshlak kulpytas – ancient tombstones. At its top shines the figure of the "Golden Man" with a height of 6 meters – the symbol of the ruler, firmly holding the winged leopard under control. This image embodies the power of power and the steadfastness of Kazakhstan's independence. The stele is mounted on a semicircular pedestal in the heart of a circular square, and as it approaches, it seems to rise up faster and more dynamically. Significant dates are carved at its base: December 25, 1990 – the proclamation of state sovereignty of Kazakhstan, and December 16, 1991 – independence.
At the foot of the monument there is a sculptural group where the "Sage-sky", "Mother Earth" and children on foals meet. This allegorical composition is directed to all sides of the world, from where life-giving moisture comes, filling the earth with fertility. Child riders symbolize the youth and the future of the country, and the family is the foundation of the state. The figures are inscribed in a square, a sign of strength and stability. The column is surrounded by artistic cast panels, which reflect the most important historical milestones. There are 10 bas-reliefs arranged in a horseshoe shape on both sides of the stele, revealing the path of Kazakhstan from antiquity to the present. The number 10 is chosen symbolically: For Pythagoras, this is the number of prosperity, strength, and harmony. The bas-reliefs are arranged not chronologically, but as artistic symbols of the epochs, creating a vivid story about the fate of the people.
– The first bas-relief is dedicated to the queen of the Massagetes Tomiris, depicted at the moment of victory on a chariot.
– The second is the era of the great thinker Al-Farabi. Nearby are the historian Mukhamed–Haidar Dulati and Korkut ata with kobyz. In the corner there is a legend about the heavenly wolf, the ancestor of the Turks.
– The third reflects the formation of the Kazakh Khanate in the 15th century.
– The fourth one shows the tragedy of the "great disaster" – the years of famine and devastation.
– The fifth depicts a duel between the young Abylai Khan and the Kalmyk noyon Sharysh.
– The sixth is dedicated to the memory of the sons of Russia and Ukraine exiled to Kazakhstan during the years of tsarism.
– The seventh one reveals the theme of the uprising led by Sultan Sadiq, the son of Kenesara.
– The eighth conveys the heroism of the Second World War.
– The ninth refers to December 1986, when Kazakhstani youth rose up with civil and political demands.
– The tenth one ends the cycle with the scene of Kazakhstan's declaration of independence and the oath of the country's first president, Nursultan Nazarbayev.
The Independence Monument (Golden Warrior Monument) is not only an architectural object, but also a place of power where history and modernity are intertwined, reminding everyone of the price of freedom, the path that the people have taken, and the future that is being built with their own hands. He seems to be telling everyone: Kazakhstan is a country with ancient roots and a modern spirit, confidently looking forward.
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