Tengrian Calendar Fountain
The Tengrian Calendar Fountain, commonly referred to as the Zodiac Signs Fountain, was built in Almaty in 1980. It is nestled in a park near the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Three decades ago, this fountain was recognized as the finest park installation in the USSR.
This remarkable fountain showcases the 12-year Tengrian calendar, rooted in Tengrianism – an ancient pagan religion practiced by Turkic tribes. Tengri, revered as the God of Heaven, serves as the central figure in Tengrianism. The fountain itself takes the form of a circular arrangement of bronze animals, symbolizing each year in the calendar: mouse, cow, snow leopard, hare, dragon/snail, snake, horse, ram, monkey, rooster, dog, and wild boar. At the center of this ensemble, stands a sculpture of the sun with 216 rays.
Originating from the ancient nomadic cultures of Central Asia, the Tengrian calendar once served as a timekeeping system. It was known as the most intricate among all known calendars.
How to get there?
Address: Kazakhstan, Almaty, 28 Shevchenko St.
You can reach the Tengrian Calendar Fountain by buses #5, 5A, 5B, 29, 29R, 48, 65, 66, 120, 121, 141 (along Dostyk Ave. to Shevchenko St.), 12 (to the Kazakhstan Hotel) ), 112 (along Kunayev St. to Shevchenko St.). Also trolleybuses #11, 19, and 25 travel along Shevchenko St. Also, the Abay subway station is located just 800 meters (875 yd) away from the fountain.
Other tourist attractions near the fountain:
- Gylym Ordasy Museum
- Monument to Alexander Pushkin
- Square of Ch. Walikhanov
- Abay Square
- Hotel Kazakhstan
- Palace of the Republic
- Monument to Viktor Tsoi
- Abay Opera and Ballet Theater
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