Independence Park
Independence Park in Shymkent, inaugurated in 2011 to commemorate Kazakhstan's 20th anniversary of independence, stands as a cherished destination for both locals and tourists.
A grand colonnaded main portal greets visitors at the park's entrance, with the years 1991 and 2011 gleaming in gold on the marble columns, signifying the country's journey to independence. The park's pièce de résistance is the Altyn Shanyrak Monument, a structure composed of 137 metal elements, reaching a height of 300 meters (984 ft). Each element symbolizes the diverse nationalities residing in Kazakhstan. While the term "shanyrak" refers to the dome of a yurt, the monument doesn’t look like a yurt at all but resembles a colossal torch. After dusk, the monument illuminates the night sky.
Throughout the park, one can find numerous stelae bearing inscriptions of significant dates from Kazakhstan's history between 1991 and 2011. As visitors enter through the main gateway, they are welcomed by an alley lined with these commemorative markers. The park also features a captivating dancing fountain, which enchants visitors, especially during the evening hours. The park's ambiance is further enhanced by lanterns, architectural sculptures, comfortable benches, well-manicured alleys, and colorful flower beds. A flagpole displays the national flag of Kazakhstan, while a monument honoring Kabanbay Batyr, a heroic figure from the Kazakh-Dzungar war, stands nearby.
How to get there?
Independence Park can be reached by buses #1, 6, 18, 23, 27, 32, 37, 42, 72, 84, 122, 144, 147, and 158. Independence Park is easily accessible from Ordabasy Square, with a set of steps leading from the square to a bridge, providing a convenient route for parkgoers.
Other tourist attractions near the Independence Park:
- Mother Earth Monument
- Ordabasy Square
- Ordabasy Mosque
- Koshkar Ata River Embankment
- Jami Mosque
- Shamshi Park
- Kenbaba Family Park
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Shymkent, the third-largest city in Kazakhstan, boasts a rich, extensive history. It is one of the oldest cities in the region, having emerged as a vital hub along the Silk Road caravan routes.