Arbat Street
Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, was envisioned by local authorities as a city focused on people's well-being and a comfortable lifestyle. However, its rapid development hasn't always aligned with this vision. The city lacks parks, squares, and cultural spaces amidst the abundance of high-rise buildings, business centers, and shops. The residents of Astana desire more cultural places for interesting and meaningful leisure activities. Arbat Street has emerged as one of these desired destinations.
Arbat Street, an unofficial name for a section of Azerbaijan Mambetov Street, derives its name from the famous pedestrian street in Moscow. Moscow's Arbat is known for its street artists, musicians, cafes, and souvenir shops. Astana's Arbat came into existence in 2017, just before the international specialized exhibition EXPO-2017. The promenade begins near the intersection of Azerbaijan Mambetov and Bukharbai Batyr streets, extending to the monument to Khan Kenesary on the Esil River Embankment.
A Place for Talent
The concept of creating the Arbat was initiated by Arai Ordabayeva, a public figure in the city. As a soap maker herself, Arai understood the challenges faced by local craftsmen and artisans who lacked affordable exhibition spaces. Renting shops or spaces in large shopping centers proved to be prohibitively expensive, while street vending was not allowed. Recognizing this need, Arai envisioned Astana's own version of the Arbat.
Through appeals to city authorities and leveraging the power of social networks, Arai strived to bring her vision of the Arbat to life. Perhaps the upcoming international exhibition, EXPO-2017, served as the final impetus for their long-awaited dream. City authorities anticipated an influx of tourists to Astana during the exhibition, envisioning the Arbat as another attraction to captivate visitors' interests.
The Heart of the Old Center
The location chosen for Arbat Street in Astana is truly ideal. It resides in the heart of the city's historical center, surrounded by numerous significant historical and cultural sites. The area has always been bustling with activity, as the street leads to the scenic embankment.
Along the Arbat, visitors can explore over ten trade pavilions that offer a diverse range of goods such as jewelry, books, and handicrafts. Spaces are also designated for street musicians, dancers, and artists. To maintain order and ensure everyone can showcase their talents harmoniously, the city administration imposes certain requirements on the artists, allowing them to express themselves without creating chaos or disrupting one another.
Upon entering the Arbat, the attention of passersby is immediately captivated by a remarkable sight—a large metal throne that serves as a replica of the iconic throne from the popular TV series «Game of Thrones». Further along the street, visitors can take memorable pictures with life-size statues of the legendary members of The Beatles. Additionally, there is an unconventional Bench of Reconciliation where the seat is angled in a way that encourages two sitting individuals to move closer to the center of the bench, symbolizing a sense of unity and connection.
The community group overseeing the activities on Arbat Street continually brings fresh ideas to the table. In 2018, they introduced an exciting addition: free karaoke sessions. Starting at 9:00 PM, anyone could take the stage and perform a song, resulting in long queues of eager participants. Another wonderful feature is the open-air cinema, where evening screenings create a magical atmosphere. Arbat Street is also a hub for festivals, fairs, and competitions, providing ongoing entertainment. Additionally, children can participate in various courses and masterclasses, nurturing their talents.
How to get there?
Arbat Street can be reached by buses #1, 9, 17, 23, 25, 31, and 32. The nearest bus stop is called «E. Rakhmadiyev Philharmonic Hall». Please note that the street’s venues are open only in the warm season.
Other tourist attractions near Arbat Street:
- Respublika Avenue
- Esil River Embankment
- Monument to Khan Kenesary
- Central Park
- Trading House of Merchant Matvey Kubrin
- Manor of Vasily Kubrin
- Manor of Merchant P. Moiseyev
- E. Rakhmadiyev Philharmonic Hall
- Cathedral of Constantine and Helena
- Tree of Life Fountain
- Russian Drama Theatre named after M. Gorky
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