Kazakhstan Horizons: History, Modernity & Nature

A truly unique Carpet Museum can be found in the basement of a typical Soviet-era residential building in the heart of Shymkent. This museum was created by Dana Bektaeva, who has spent over a decade curating a collection of antique Kazakh carpets. The basement is adorned with carpets from floor to ceiling. However, the museum extends beyond its walls. Step into the courtyard, and you’ll see fences, garage gates, and playground railings decorated with intricate patterns that replicate the designs of the carpets. 

The Seyitzhan Kari Eszhanuly Mosque captivates visitors with its stunning white exterior. The mosque was inspired by the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi. It bears a striking resemblance to its Emirati counterpart, albeit on a smaller scale. Shymkent's new mosque is also a contender for two Guinness World Records: it boasts the largest dome in Central Asia and the tallest mihrab (a niche in the wall that indicates the direction of Mecca).

The Baidibek Bi Monument is the tallest in Kazakhstan. The statue itself stands 10 meters (33 ft) tall, and with its pedestal, the total height reaches an impressive 23 meters (75 ft). Baidibek Karashauly, a prominent figure of the 15th century, played a significant role in uniting the Kazakh people against invading tribes. He was also renowned for his wisdom, fairness, and skill in conflict resolution.

Turkistan was founded around 500 AD at the intersection of caravan routes from Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva to Northern Kazakhstan. The city was known as the spiritual and political hub for Turkic-speaking people. From the 16th to the 18th centuries, it functioned as the capital of the Kazakh Khanate. The city of Turkistan gained wide world fame due to the teachings of Khoja Ahmed Yassawi, the famous Sufi philosopher, who was buried here in a small mausoleum in 1166. The present mausoleum was erected 233 years after his death on orders of Emir Tamerlane. Today, it stands as a revered site for Muslims worldwide. 

Otrar is the birthplace and residence of the medieval philosopher and scientist Al Farabi (Alpharabius). Founded in the 4th century BC, Otrar became a thriving center of trade and craftsmanship, serving as a crucial hub for caravan routes connecting Eastern Europe and China. In the late 13th century, the city faced complete destruction at the hands of Mongolian troops. Despite the devastating setback, Otrar managed to rise from the ruins, undergoing rapid economic development in a relatively short period. Archaeological efforts have uncovered the remains of the citadel, the main gate, and the rabad, spanning an area of approximately 10 square kilometers. 

Arystan Bab Mausoleum is an important Muslim pilgrimage site near the ancient city of Otrar, approximately 60 km (37 mi) from Turkistan. It stands over the tomb of Arystan Bab, a 12th-century religious figure believed to have been the spiritual teacher of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, one of the most influential Sufi mystics in Central Asia. 

Although the first structure is traditionally dated to the 12th century, the mausoleum has been rebuilt several times following earthquakes and other damage. Most of the present building dates to the early 20th century and features fired-brick walls, a broad central arch, and domes.

The Baiterek Monument is the city's most iconic landmark. Erected in 2003, it symbolizes the relocation of the capital from Almaty to Akmola (later Astana). The structure stands at a height of 100 meters (328 ft), and with the crowning sphere, it reaches 105 meters (345 ft). The lower level extends four and a half meters underground, housing cafes, aquariums, and a mini-gallery. An elevator from this level takes you to the highest point – the sphere – where a bar and a panoramic hall provide breathtaking views.

Khan Shatyr combines world-class shopping and entertainment within its colossal structure. Designed by the renowned British architect Lord Norman Foster, it holds the Guinness World Record as the largest tent-shaped building in the world. Khan Shatyr has also earned a spot in Forbes Style magazine's top ten list of the world's best eco buildings. A standout feature of Khan Shatyr is its tropical climate beach, complete with lush plants and a consistent temperature of +35 degrees throughout the year. The resort's sandy beaches, featuring imported sand from the Maldives, are equipped with a heating system, creating an authentic beach experience.

Astana Grand Mosque is the largest mosque not only in Kazakhstan but in all of Central Asia. Opened in 2022, it has quickly become one of Astana’s most significant spiritual and architectural landmarks.

It“s designed to accommodate up to 230,000 worshippers simultaneously, including the surrounding grounds. Its central dome rises to approximately 83 meters (272 ft), while four minarets reach 130 meters (427 ft). The interior and exterior design incorporate traditional Kazakh ornaments, intricate calligraphy, and contemporary architectural solutions.

The Open-Air Space Museum is situated within the premises of the Kazakhstan Garysh Sapary National Space Center. It showcases life-size models of space launch vehicles, including Soyuz, Proton, Zenit launch vehicles, and the Buran orbiter. Additionally, special information boards are installed, providing comprehensive details about the missiles, including technical specifications, the history of their creation, and operational insights.

Situated 270 km (168 mi) north of Astana, Burabay (Borovoe) is an oasis amid the steppe, showcasing lakes, coniferous forests, and rocks. The national park, established in this area, is a habitat for 757 plant species and 305 animal species, some of which are rare and endangered. Nature has sculpted unique landscapes of extraordinary beauty, blending majestic mountain scenery, reflective blue lakes, and both coniferous and deciduous groves. Burabay is a popular resort area, attracting thousands of tourists from all over Kazakhstan and abroad. Moreover, Burabay is one of the two places in Kazakhstan where gambling is allowed.

Perched at an elevation of 1690 meters (5545 ft) above sea level, the Medeu Skating Rink claims the title of the world's highest mountain skating rink, boasting the largest artificial ice field covering 10.5 thousand square meters. Embraced by majestic mountains and benefiting from the pristine mountain water used for ice, this rink has set the stage for more than 200 world records in speed skating. Widely recognized as the "factory of records," the Medeu Skating Rink is not limited to athletes; it extends a warm welcome to all skating enthusiasts. Adjacent to the rink is a mudflow protection dam, accessible via the "Health Ladder," a staircase comprising 842 steps.

Nestled in the scenic gorge of the Ile Alatau Mountains, Shymbulak Ski Resort is just a 15-minute drive from the heart of Almaty. Established in 1954, it served as a training base for Soviet skiers from the mid-1950s onward, hosting championships of the USSR and Kazakhstan on its slopes. The resort comprises three levels, with the highest situated at an impressive altitude of 3200 meters above sea level.

Kok-Tobe Hill stands at an elevation of 1130 meters (3707 ft) above sea level. The summit can be reached via a winding road or a cable car, starting from the Palace of the Republic. At the hilltop, stands the renowned 372-meter TV tower, a distinctive symbol of the city and its tallest structure. Additionally, the Kok-Tobe Park awaits, providing the opportunity to revel in a spectacular city panorama from the dedicated observation deck, toss a coin into the apple-shaped fountain, pose with the Beatles monument, and peruse a shop featuring national souvenirs.

Established in 1868, the Green Bazaar stands as one of Almaty's oldest markets. It continues to enjoy popularity, reminiscent of its late 19th-century status, and features a diverse selection of traditional Kazakhstani items and products. Notably, the market is renowned for offering the famous Almaty Aport apple. 

Travel tip: Most market purchases are made in cash using the local currency, the Kazakhstani tenge.

Gunny Ethnic Village is a vibrant ethnographic complex where tourists can experience the traditional lifestyle and customs of the Kazakh people. Here, visitors are immersed in the rich heritage of the Kazakh nomads, with demonstrations of equestrian shows, archery, traditional combat displays, and rituals marking life stages from birth to adulthood. The village features traditional Kazakh yurts and modern yurtages – yurt-inspired cottages with modern amenities. There is also a shooting range, stables, dining facilities, a horseback riding school, and various national-style structures and decor.

Turgen Gorge is a picturesque mountain valley located about 70 km () east of Almaty, in the Ile-Alatau National Park. Surrounded by forested slopes, alpine meadows, and the rugged peaks of the Tien Shan, it is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The gorge is famous for its scenic waterfalls. Visitors can also enjoy mountain rivers, fresh air, and beautiful views along the winding road through the gorge. Turgen Gorge is an excellent choice for a day trip from Almaty, especially in spring and summer, when the landscape is lush and green.

Charyn Canyon bears a resemblance to the Grand Canyon in the USA, albeit on a smaller scale. The steep canyon slopes reach heights of 150-300 meters (500-1000 ft), and what truly stands out is the remarkable dissection of the terrain – a dense, chaotic network of numerous ravines. Particularly captivating is the Valley of Castles, where the wind and water have sculpted walls resembling castles and towers. This valley showcases nature's unique architectural prowess, crafting magnificent structures over millions of years. Walking amid these towers and columns, you can marvel at the wild imagination of nature for hours.

The city's history goes back to ancient settlements along the Silk Road. Modern Almaty began to develop in the 19th century as the Russian military settlement of Verny. The city grew rapidly during the Soviet period and became the capital of the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic in 1929. After Kazakhstan gained independence in 1991, Almaty remained the country’s capital until 1997, when the capital was moved to Astana.

Almaty is often called the city of apples and mountains. The region around the city is considered one of the centers of origin of the wild apple, and the name Almaty is associated with apples.