The Town of Tekeli
Tekeli, formerly part of the Almaty region and now situated in the newly-formed Jetysu region, rests on the banks of the Karatal River, originating from the mountains of the Dzungarian Alatau. Flowing through the town, the Karatal River is joined by the Kora and Tekelinka rivers, adding to the natural beauty of the area.
Derived from the word symbolizing the mountain goats inhabiting the region, Tekeli carries its name as a testament to its wildlife-rich surroundings.
Brief history
In 1937, the emergence of Tekeli unfolded when the discovery of polymetallic ores prompted the Soviet authorities to establish a settlement. During World War II, a lead-zinc plant was constructed, supplying the production of bullets with essential lead. Following the war, the town experienced remarkable growth, witnessing the construction of residential buildings, schools, hospitals, parks, theaters, and various social facilities. Notably, the town's fortunes became intricately tied to the lead plant, although in the early 1990s, like many across the country, it faced closure. However, thanks to state support, the plant has been revived and now produces crude iron.
Population, religion, and climate
With a population exceeding 31,000 people, Tekeli boasts a harmonious blend of cultures, predominantly consisting of Kazakhs and Russians, alongside Tatars, Germans, Koreans, Ukrainians, and more. Tekeli accommodates diverse religious beliefs, fostering a sense of community with the presence of a mosque, Baptist, Presbyterian, Orthodox churches, and other religious institutions.
Tekeli experiences a moderately hot climate, with summer temperatures reaching approximately 30°C (86 oF), while winter brings cooler temperatures reaching -18°C (0 oF). Located in the foothill zone, Tekeli's climate bears the distinctive influence of its geographical setting.
What to visit?
The town and its surroundings beckon visitors with unique sights and landscapes. Notably, Tekeli boasts the country's longest street, spanning an impressive length of approximately 38 kilometers (24 mi), aptly named Dinmukhamed Kunayev Street. At the confluence of three rivers, a monument commemorates the valor and sacrifices of World War II. Furthermore, Tekeli holds the distinction of housing Kazakhstan's oldest Buddhist monument, the Tekeli Stele, also known as Kelinshektas, offering direct evidence of the historical practice of Buddhism and Zoroastrianism in the region.
As visitors venture through Tekeli's foothill location, they can explore the attractions that lie in close proximity:
- The Kora Gorge, celebrated across the country for its honey production
- The Burkhan-Bulak Waterfall, the largest in Kazakhstan and Central Asia
- The Kora River
- Bayan-Jurek mountain range known for its ancient rock paintings
- Kalakai prehistoric monument – a vast circle of boulders whose purpose remains a mystery
- Eshkiolmes Petroglyph Site that features ancient rock art
How to get there?
The distance between Almaty and Tekeli spans approximately 293 kilometers (182 mi), ensuring a journey of approximately 3.5 hours along the A-3 highway. Alternatively, Almaty offers flight options to Taldykorgan, from where it’s 40 kilometers (25 mi) to Tekeli.
The capital city of Astana and Tekeli stand apart, with a considerable driving duration of nearly 20.5 hours. This route entails traversing the A-343 and subsequently the A-3 highway. However, for a faster and more efficient option, a flight from Astana to Taldykorgan, followed by a brief 40-minute drive to Tekeli, significantly reduces travel time and maximizes convenience.
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