The modern metropolis Astana is a unique logistical and cultural site in the very heart of the Eurasian steppes. The capital, which has a rich history, impresses with its beauty and majesty: its classical monumental style of the right bank with elements of modern high-tech on the left bank attracts the attention of every passerby at the crossroads of eras.
Along a straight highway axis, from here you can reach the iconic Esil (Ishim) River Embankment, visit the capital Astana Arbat and see the great Monument to Khan Kenesary, which act as the closest architectural landmarks on this urban planning line.
Moving further along these long highways, pedestrians and passengers can reach such a site as the Baiterek Monument, see the panoramas concealed by the Ak Orda Presidential Residence, visit the famous Khan Shatyr SEC, explore the exhibitions offered by the National Museum, and enter the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, which are the closest major public hubs of the country.
The bright facades of government buildings, where the House of Ministries is located, perfectly complement the modern look of the district. Nearby are also located the Maxim Gorky State Academic Russian Drama Theatre and the Merchant Matvey Kubrin's House, which perfectly complement the architectural ensemble of the right bank.
The sculptural composition of the city in the form of cozy squares, futuristic monuments and art objects occupies a central place in the cultural landscape. From the center, wide avenues lead in the direction of the spacious Central Park, the distance to which on foot may be difficult to overcome due to remoteness for guests unaccustomed to long walks.
The historical heritage is carefully preserved here. The administration links the architectural center with the main walking zones. It naturally neighbors the recreational spaces of well-kept squares located at the end of long transport corridors, where every visitor can find their guiding star.
How to get there and visit -
The main tourist and business locations are distributed between the right and left banks of Astana city in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Transport hubs link the Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport and two railway stations (the old station and the new "Nurly Zhol") with all districts of the capital.
GPS coordinates of the central point (Nurzhol Boulevard): 51°07'42"N 71°25'50"E
Transport accessibility of the city is ideal. A large amount of public transport runs along the avenues. You can reach any pedestrian part of the city of interest by regular capital buses numbered: 32, 1, 3, 2, 45, 52, 23, 10, 37, 25, 31, 20. All these scattered routes are created to quickly overcome the distance.
For motorists, convenient parking pockets, surface and underground parkings are provided near major shopping centers, hotels and administrative buildings. It is worth considering that during peak hours traffic jams often occur on bridges and central avenues. To get to your destination, you can also use taxi services through a special mobile application.
The opening hours of most open sites, parks, alleys and squares are 24/7, without days off and breaks. Visiting pedestrian zones and viewing the external facades of buildings is completely free for all residents and guests of the capital. Museums and observation decks operate according to individual schedules.
History
The history of the creation of modern Astana is inextricably linked with the development and change in the status of the city itself. In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, this settlement was called Akmolinsk. In Soviet times, when the city was actively built up as a main agricultural center for the development of virgin lands, it was renamed Tselinograd. Later, the city was mentioned as Akmola. In independent Kazakhstan, starting from 1997, the status of the capital was secured for the city, and it received the name Astana, then was temporarily called Nur-Sultan, and now officially bears the name Astana again.
The past names of the city clearly reflected large historical milestones in the life of the country. Almost the entire right-bank part was built with all the characteristic features of Soviet architecture. Here, in 1975, the "Zhastar" Palace and the famous "Tourist" Hotel were built, the buildings of which stood out strongly with their architecture unusual for its time. To preserve the memory of outstanding cultural figures of the right bank, the Saken Seifullin Museum was created, located in an old wooden building.
When the city gained capital status, large-scale construction began on the left bank according to the master plan of the Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa. The curtain facades of standard Soviet houses on the right bank were reconstructed and decorated with bright national ornaments, which cardinally changed the aesthetic perception of old districts. Not far from the old center, the snow-white Hazrat Sultan Mosque was also built, showing the continuity of spiritual traditions. During the same period, the architectural ensemble of the left bank was adorned with the grandiose Grand Republican Mosque, which became the largest spiritual center of the region.
Information
Astana is a modern multifunctional space combining the features of a business metropolis, a cultural center and a developed tourist hub. Over the past decades, the appearance of the main arteries changed regularly in order to create comfortable conditions for pedestrians and drivers. In the evenings, bright festive illumination lights up on the buildings. To convenience pedestrians, the right and left banks are connected by the unique Atyrau Bridge, made in the form of the scales of a huge fish.
The entire territory of the capital is conditionally divided into several zones with different atmospheres. The left bank is considered the business and administrative heart. A huge number of business centers, ministries, coffee shops, SECs and squares with fountains are concentrated here. Strolling here, guests of the city often visit modern recreational areas, among which the Linear Park stands out, stretching through the entire new administrative quarter. Life here does not stop for a minute, it is a favorite place for walks and business meetings.
The right bank retains a calmer historical character. There are fewer casual tourists here, cozy residential quarters, theaters and parks predominate around. In the old part of the city, the rhythm of life slows down a bit, buildings remind of bygone eras, and people are in less of a hurry. In the center of this zone is located the old Constantine and Helen Cathedral, which has preserved its original color.
Safety along the entire length of the streets is provided by city utilities and "Sergek" video surveillance systems. The city is fully adapted to the needs of people with limited mobility, equipped with smart public transport stops, warm waiting pavilions and convenient crossings. The main point of attraction for students and scientists on the left bank is the advanced Nazarbayev University, which possesses an autonomous research campus.
Detailed description of the site
The infrastructural and cultural content of the capital includes many iconic sites distributed by thematic sectors:
• Historical and museum sector – includes the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan with unique halls of archaeology and ethnography, the Saken Seifullin Museum, as well as the National Military-Patriotic Center, in whose funds several thousand rare exhibits are stored.
• Spiritual and public centers – the majestic Hazrat Sultan Mosque, the Grand Republican Mosque, the Constantine and Helen Cathedral, as well as the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation (Pyramid) and the "Zhastar" Palace with the Monument to the Friendship of Peoples.
• Walking and cultural hub – the famous Nurzhol Water-Green Boulevard, the city Esil River Embankment and the capital Arbat. These are places of attraction for creative youth, street musicians and artists, decorated with original art installations.
• Educational and leisure sites – the Shabyt University of Arts, the Schoolchildren's Palace, the Astana Opera theater and entertainment centers, which are firmly associated by locals with the main cultural events of the country.
• Commercial contour – popular areas for shopping lovers. Here, within walking distance from each other, the largest SECs operate: Khan Shatyr, Keruen, Mega Silk Way, Saryarka, as well as the famous shops Esil and TsUM.
• Gastronomic sector – a place of high concentration of popular catering establishments. The famous coffee shops, restaurants of national and European cuisine Del Papa, Darezhani, Lanzhou and the historical Meruert restaurant operate in the city.
Architecture
The architectural appearance of Astana clearly demonstrates the continuity of urban planning eras of Kazakhstan. Here, old buildings of the century before last neighbor with large-scale Soviet administrative buildings and modern glass facades of skyscrapers in the high-tech style, designed by world architects, including Norman Foster. The main feature of the renovation of the old stock was the transformation of residential buildings, which received new facades with national ornaments. Such a combination of styles is well noticeable if you move from old streets to the new center, where the House of Ministries and other glass giants are located.
When designing pedestrian zones of the left and right banks, modern urban solutions were used. The city is equipped with high-quality street lighting, decorative lighting of buildings and green spaces that perform the role of natural noise protection screens. In the old part of the right bank, the unique Merchant Vasily Kubrin's House has been preserved, which is a valuable monument of the pre-revolutionary era.
The engineering networks of the capital include a developed system of storm sewage, automatic lawn watering and climate control in large triumphs. Smart public transport stops are installed at intersections, providing a comfortable wait in any weather conditions. A bright architectural decoration of city squares on the left bank is the decorative "Tree of Life" Fountain, symbolizing prosperity.
Legend
Among native inhabitants, tour guides and travelers, a modern legend about the "Golden Hour" of the capital lives: they say that at the moment of transferring the center of the country, an invisible spark of inspiration lit up over the city, pointing the way to prosperity. There is a belief that if a traveler sincerely makes a cherished wish while looking at the sunset from the Esil embankment side or the top of the Baiterek site, the city roads will definitely help him achieve his goal. On the right bank, a landmark meeting place for citizens is the old Clock Tower, shrouded in many city stories.
Another legend is connected with the old clock at one of the busy intersections and unique sites. Citizens believe that if you brainstorm a creative or business idea while at the intersection of the main axes of the left bank, where the Ak Orda Presidential Residence rises, it will bring luck in business, give entrepreneurs a strong voice in their field. Near the entertainment objects of the left bank, an original "Circus" Sculptural Composition is installed, which, according to beliefs, brings joy and luck to everyone who touches its elements.
Conclusion
Astana is a bridge between the rich history of nomadic routes and the innovative future of the capital of Kazakhstan. A visit to this logistical center of urban life allows you to feel the spirit of continuity and care that surround the residents and guests of the capital. The projects embodied by the Khan Shatyr SEC prove this. Large-scale international events and world-class business forums are regularly hosted by the ultra-modern capital Congress Center.
The specifics of the location of the sites imply walking in the warm season and using transport in winter, however, the city remains a key starting point for all travelers. Tourist routes invite everyone to come here to be inspired by the energy of historical and futuristic design, which is reflected by the majestic Hazrat Sultan Mosque. Lovers of traditional sports and horse racing will be interested to visit the professional "Kazanat" Hippodrome, located on the outskirts of the city.
Other interesting sights in the capital:
• Merchant Vasily Kubrin's House;
• "Saka Warriors" Fountain;
• "Tree of Life" Fountain;
• "Circus" Sculptural Composition;
• Linear Park;
• Clock Tower;
• "Kazanat" Hippodrome;
• Nazarbayev University;
• Congress Center.
Theaters and concert halls:
• Youth Theater (Astana);
• Astana Circus;
Museums and libraries:
• National Academic Library of the Republic of Kazakhstan;
• Museum of the History of Turkic Writing – Gumilyov University (ENU);
• Presidential Center of Culture;
• Nazarbayev Center.
Tour itinerary:
