For decades, Astana, Kazakhstan’s modern capital, has been a prominent cultural hub in Central Asia. With the recent economic development, this contemporary metropolis has seen a significant transformation. The city is at the forefront of economic growth and is a vital trade and commercial hub for the whole area. Astana is home to some of Kazakhstan’s most contemporary structures, including high-rise buildings, coffee shops, restaurants, and retail malls.
Astana was founded in the early nineteenth century. It was essentially a fort called Akmolinsk during the time. The name of Akmolinsk was changed to Tselinograd when Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev came to power. Following Kazakhstan’s independence in 1991, the city was renamed ‘Akmola,’ which was then changed to Astana in 1997. Today, the city is home to a remarkable mix of individuals from many ethnic backgrounds who coexist together.
Astana’s climate, like that of the rest of the region, is harsh, with often snowy and lengthy winters. In fact, Astana is regarded as the world’s second-coldest capital. The coldest months are January and February, with temperatures occasionally falling below –31°F/–35°C. Spring arrives in Astana in March, making it an ideal time to visit.
Main Tourist Attractions of Astana
President’s Culture Center
In Astana, the President’s Culture Center is a significant landmark. The five-story museum has a grandiose appearance because to the blue dome and Turk architecture. The Center was created by Kazakhstan’s President, Mr. N. Nazarbayev, and spans over 20,000 square metres. The Center is home to Kazakhstan’s State Museum, which holds a diverse variety of exhibits. The complex also contains the Republican Public Library, which is well-stocked.
Fine Art Museum
Astana’s Fine Art Museum houses a diverse collection of graphics, handicrafts, figures, and other works of art. The museum houses a large collection of artwork by artists from Western Europe, Russia, and Kazakhstan, which draws visitors from all over the world. The museum’s contents illustrate the region’s rich cultural past, which spans ancient to modern times.
The President’s Museum
The old presidential residence now houses the President’s Museum. The museum has opulent galleries and halls adorned with wonderful presents from foreign countries and appreciative citizens for President Nazarbaev. In the antechamber of the presidential office, you may observe the direct line phones from the Cold War era.
Akvapark
The Akvapark, often known as the Oceanarium, is located in Duman’s amusement park. The Oceanarium needs roughly 3.8 million litres of saltwater to keep its 2000 aquatic animals alive. The Oceanarium has both freshwater and saltwater fish for visitors to see. The main attractions here are a 80-meter long tunnel and the sharks at the Oceanarium.
Khan Shatyr
Khan Shatyr, which translates to ‘Royal Marquee,’ is a massive translucent tent with an elliptical base that covers 100,000 square metres and is 150 metres tall. The area beneath the tent is fairly large, with enough room for more than ten football fields. There is also a golf course, a small river, a beach resort, and many more amenities in Khan Shatyr.
Islamic Center
The Nur-Astana Mosque is housed in the Islamic Center, which is a major landmark in Astana. The great dome, which stands at 43 metres, as well as the minarets, are the principal attractions here. The minarets each reach a height of 63 m. The large prayer hall has a total space of 2,000 sq m. At the Islamic Center, there are also decorative fountains.
Bayterek Monument
The Bayterek Monument is undoubtedly Astana’s most well-known attraction. The Bayterek Tower is formed like a tree and has a massive egg-shaped dome on top. The tower stands at a total height of 97 m. Near the summit, there is an observation deck from where you can get a bird’s eye view of Astana. On the lower levels of the tower, there is also a café and an aquarium.
Palace of Peace and Harmony
The Palace of Peace and Harmony is one of Astana’s newest attractions. Norman Foster, a renowned English architect, built this pyramid-shaped architectural masterpiece. The structure holds Central Asia’s largest opera theatre. The World Religious Center and the University of Civilization are both housed in the same structure. The Library of the Palace of Peace and Harmony is well-stocked with books from all around the world.
