Astana: The Vibrant Capital in the Great Steppe
Astana, the dynamic capital city of Kazakhstan, is a modern marvel that reflects the nation's progress and aspirations. Located in the heart of the Eurasian continent, this thriving metropolis has rapidly transformed itself into a hub of culture, commerce, and innovation.
Formerly known as Akmola, Astana became the capital of Kazakhstan in 1997, replacing Almaty. The decision to relocate the capital was driven by a desire to strategically position the government closer to the country's geographic center and to promote balanced regional development.
The capital of Kazakhstan has become a nest of the Kazakhs, a symbol of a country longing for freedom. It is said that Alikhan Bukeikhan, who was the Chairman (Prime Minister) of Provisional National Government of Alash Orda and one of the leaders of the Alash party, wanted to make the town Karaotkel (located near to Astana) as the center of Alash Orda.
Since the first days of independence, a completely different state has been formed and the reality of that time and geostrategic factors forced to Kazakhs to look at the process of formation of our geopolitical space from a new perspective. As a result, the Kazakh government decided to move the country's capital from Almaty to Akmola.
Relocating Astana would contribute to solving a number of pressing problems. Experts say that as a result, a new political center united the people of Kazakhstan to national ideas. The integration of regions with each other has increased. A new driving force became the golden pillar of the country's development.
In order to build a prosperous city, it is necessary to create a Master Plan. In this perspective, an international competition was held to create the Master Plan of the city. Strong architects of the world have shown interest in the idea of building an architectural city, and many proposals have been received.
The competition includes more than 50 entries from renowned architecture companies from Japan, USA, Australia, Italy, France, Germany, Russia, Finland, Korea, Bulgaria, Pakistan, Poland, Czech Republic, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Latvia. All the projects were placed in the Congress Hall, and everyone got a chance to get acquainted with them. 27 projects that could meet the conditions and requirements of the international competition were selected. As a result of the competition, the project of the Japanese conceptualist Kise Kurokawa, one of the most prominent architects of our time, was accepted as the master plan for the construction of the new capital of Kazakhstan.
Kurokawa's Master Plan, presenting the branched-ring composition of the city and its field form, reminds us of the sense of national vitality inherited from nomadic ancestors of Kazakhs, and the landscape feature of the central part of the city reminds the shape of the ancient nomadic settlements.
The foundation of the capital was laid at the turn of the second millennium, and in just a few years it turned into a beautiful modern city, a real urban masterpiece. The new capital of the country is a common child born from the dream of all Kazakhstan people.
Astana's skyline is a testament to the city's ambitious architectural vision. Strolling through the city, one is greeted by an array of stunning structures, each one showcasing the blending of traditional Kazakh design elements with modern architectural techniques. The city's crown jewel is the Bayterek Tower, a soaring monument that offers panoramic views of the city and symbolizes the aspirations and future of Kazakhstan. The Palace of Independence reminds of the outline of a traditional Kazakh house. The golden eagle on the dome of Akorda, the sacred Samruk bird at the top of the monument of the Kazakh nation and many other sights of the capital are closely connected with national mythology and the historical memory of Kazakhs.
The toponymy of the capital strongly connected with names of great historical figures. In its streets, the history of the native land seems to be resurrected in the figures of ancient warriors, legendary heroes, and totem animals.
The architectural appearance of Astana informs about the Eurasian nature of the city inhabited by representatives of various nationalities, It shows that the city was born not by a simple mechanical combination, but by the combination of cultures of West and East, North and South.
For example, the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, a 62-meter-high giant building designed by the British architect Norman Foster, has become a center of the capital's cultural life. A library, a museum, and even a theater fit into it. Religious leaders from different countries gather at this Palace of Peace and Harmony to hold traditional meetings. N. Foster contributed in the construction of the architectural ensemble "Khan Shatyr" in the form of a giant dome, which was opened in July 2010.
Buildings in the capital, which tell about the history of the great steppe, are not limited with this. In 2009, the "Kazakh Country" architectural complex was solemnly erected. The sign tower, on the top of which the victorious bird Samruk landed, reaching for the sky, represents the present and future of Kazakhstan. This huge complex tells about the vastness of the Kazakhstan and the hospitality of the inhabitants of the endless steppe.
The official residence of the President of the country, which was unveiled on December 24, 2004 and named Akorda, was completed in more than three years. The magnificent building covered with a blue dome with its classical beauty reminds of majestic palaces and one of the most beautiful presidential residences in the world.
The building is located right in the middle of a straight line like the main line of the capital's architectural complex: "Khan Shatyr" - "Baiterek" - "Akorda" - "Peace and Peace Palace" - "Kazakh Country"... The goal of promoting white Eurasian culture and tolerance and the desire to form a powerful Kazakhstan state are intertwined.
In addition to its architectural wonders, Astana boasts a vibrant cultural scene. The city is home to numerous theaters, museums, and art galleries that showcase the rich heritage and contemporary creativity of the Kazakh people. The Astana Opera, a world-class theater, hosts magnificent performances that range from classical ballet to grand opera, attracting both local enthusiasts and international visitors.
Serik Rustembekov, an honored architect of Kazakhstan, is one of the architects who contributed and participated in the development of the master plan. "It is known that the movement of the capital of the country from Alatau Mountains to Saryarka’s vast steppe was a national strategic ideal. I remember when I heard news that my birthplace would become the capital of the country. At that time I was in Almaty. We were chatting at my friend's house. Suddenly, I heard radio says, "The capital of our country will be Akmola”. "Is it a joke?" We couldn't believe our ears and turned on the radio. It was July 6, 1994. Obviously, at that time many people did not believe that the capital would be moved. But I had no doubts. We immediately started preparing to participate in the master plan of the future city," says the architect.
According to him, it was very tough years. Firstly, it was not easy to gather again the qualified personnel who were scattered everywhere. Secondly, this is a period that coincided with the difficult time when the economy collapsed and production stopped. Therefore, the financial side was a bit shaky.
"Nevertheless, we wrote down our ideas and presented them. Later, the Government issued a decree, confirming us as authors of the master plan. "B.Dosmaganbetov, S.Baimaganbetov, K.Montakayev, T.Yeraliev, S.Zhunisov, E.Mukhametshina, L.Nysanbayeva, V.Gladkikh, V.Toskin were among the group of architects," he says.
The photographer Gerd Ludwig, who visited our capital several times and published an article entitled Tomorrowland in National Geographic magazine in 2012, highly appreciated the pace of development of the capital.
"Another feature of the city of Astana is that the city is developing according to the main plan. I have visited other big cities before. It is difficult to notice such a difference from there. For example, Moscow is growing year by year. But there is no clear plan for the development of the city. It is clear that the development of the capital is being carried out according to the Master Plan. I hope that the beautification of the city will not deviate from this condition in the future," he says.
Astana is also known for its impressive sporting venues. The city hosted the 2011 Asian Winter Games and the 2017 World Expo, further solidifying its reputation as a destination for major international events. The futuristic Astana Arena, designed for football matches and concerts, and the Saryarka Velodrome, a state-of-the-art cycling facility, are just a few examples of the city's dedication to sports and recreation.
Beyond its cultural and sporting allure, Astana is a bustling center of commerce and innovation. The city's economic landscape is characterized by modern office complexes, vibrant shopping centers, and a growing tech industry. Astana's economic growth has been fueled by strategic investments in sectors such as finance, IT, energy, and construction, making it an attractive destination for both domestic and foreign businesses.
Astana's commitment to sustainable urban development is evident in its extensive green spaces and ecological initiatives. The city takes pride in its well-maintained parks, such as the Central Park and the Nur-Astana Mosque Park, which offer residents and visitors a chance to relax, exercise, and enjoy nature amidst the urban landscape. Additionally, Astana's focus on sustainability is reflected in its efforts to develop renewable energy sources and implement eco-friendly practices.
As a city that embraces diversity, Astana is home to people from various ethnic backgrounds and cultures. The Kazakh population is joined by communities of Russians, Uzbeks, Ukrainians, and many others, contributing to a vibrant multicultural fabric. This cultural fusion is celebrated through festivals, exhibitions, and events that showcase the traditions, music, dance, and cuisine of different ethnic groups.
The city of Astana is not only a center of architectural marvels, but has become a center that has revealed the peace-loving nature of Kazakhstan. The Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, which was convened for the first time in the capital in 2003, has been regularly held since then. The OSCE summit held in the capital on December 1-2, 2010. Kazakhstan as the chairman of the organization, took important initiatives regarding security and cooperation in Eurasia, and later became an active supporter of the new policy.
Kazakhstan offered a venue for dialogue to solving the crisis in Syria. Since then, these negotiations, called the "Astana Process", have made a significant contribution to solving a number of problems related to the conflict in the country. The final round of negotiations, held on June 20-21 in Astana, marked a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to achieve lasting peace in Syria.
Astana's transportation infrastructure is well-developed, providing convenient connectivity within the city and beyond. The modern Astana Nurly Zhol railway station connects the capital with other major cities in Kazakhstan and neighboring countries. The city's international airport, Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport, offers flights to numerous destinations worldwide, ensuring easy access for travelers.
According to Jenis Kassymbek, the Mayor of Astana, the construction work on the complex of Light Rail Transit (LRT) system has resumed. The introduction of the LRT system in Astana has had numerous positive impacts on the city. It has significantly reduced traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, making commuting faster and more efficient for residents. The LRT system has also improved air quality and reduced carbon emissions, contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment. Additionally, the LRT has increased accessibility, making it easier for individuals with mobility challenges to navigate the city. Mr Kassymbek plans that the complex will be finished in two years. Moreover, the public transport fleet in the city will be renewed. Today, 907 buses run on 99 routes in Astana. This year, the administration plans to increase the public transport fleet by 400 buses and open six new routes.
Today, Astana is a looming increasingly. At the beginning of the year, the population of the capital reached 1 million 370 thousand people. This indicator is much more than the forecast in the master plan. On average, about 50,000 people come to the city every year, and 30,000 babies are born. Add this 150,000 people that come and go from suburbs such as Talapker, Kosshy, Koyandy.
Taking this into account, the city administration gives priority to maintaining stable economic growth and creating favorable living conditions for residents. In addition, the control of migration along with ensuring infrastructure development and environmental sustainability are main priorities. The city administration is interested in taking a set of effective measures to create new jobs based on the pace of migration. According to the Mayor of Astana, it is necessary to identify citizens who do not have a permanent job.
“This year, financial assistance in the amount of 29.5 billion tenge is planned for four thousand projects of entrepreneurs. A pool of 154 investment projects was created in the capital. In addition, we expect to open 24 enterprises. We plan to attract investments totaling 1 trillion 300 billion tenge by the end of the year. A new master plan for the development of the city until 2035 is being developed. It focuses on creating a favorable environment for the residents of Astana. For example, we will give priority to the issue of water supply to the city. Thanks to the measures taken today, we were able to restore the water pressure in the city and provide water to the residents. In June, the water pipeline from the Astana reservoir was put into operation. This provided the city with an initial water supply of 90,000 cubic meters per day. Also, in June, we started the phase-by-step commissioning of the new drinking water pump-filter station. After the system is adjusted, water will flow from the first block of the station, which will carry 35,000 cubic meters of water per day. At the same time, we are planning to launch another block with a capacity of 70,000 cubic meters per day in August”, says J.Kassymbek.
Astana, with its vision for the future, has firmly established itself as a city that combines tradition with progress. Its stunning architecture, thriving cultural scene, vibrant economy, and commitment to sustainability make it a city that continually evolves while embracing its rich heritage. As the capital of Kazakhstan, Astana stands as a symbol of the nation's growth, aspirations, and its promising future on the global stage.
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