As of today Almaty is a principal city of the Republic of Kazakhstan and is the center of the country’s economic, scientific and cultural activities.
The forming of city and its culture has century old history. The bright palette of its convoluted history is reflected in its places of interest, historical monuments.
Almaty city’s emblem
Name: The name of Almaty city is originated from the Old Turkic «Alma» (which means ‘the red berry’ or ‘the apple’). From time immemorial the city has been referred to as Almaty, Almatou, Alimty.
Location: The modern city of Almaty is located in the south-east of the country. The rivers flowing in the country and the morainic lake are used as the primary sources of the water supply system.
Surroundings of Almaty
Origin and evolution: The earliest certificates of presence of settlements discovered on territory of modern city belong to VI – III centuries B.C. in the epoch of Saka.
In the IX–XIVth centuries were prominent due to an extensive predominance of the growing cities. The cross-country commerce and business links contributed a lot to the cities’ development, their economic growth, money circularization activation, cultivation of architecture and arts particularly along the Great Silk Way. At that time the newly emerged Zhetusy and Almaty became the major centers of urban expansion.
In the middle of the XVth century there was a significant migration of nomadic tribes to these lands noted under the guidance of Kirey and Zhanibek Sultans. Almaty became the place of origin of the Kazakh Khanate which contributed to the completion of Kazakh ethnicity’s formation.
At the second half of the XVIIth century the area of Almaty was conquered by the Djunghars. The triumphant Anyrakai battle of the year of 1730 which happened in the vicinity of Almaty was the turning point in the town’s history. Due to that victorious battle the Kazakh nation was capable to retain its sovereignty, preserve its cultural heritage, ancient traditions and reconstitute its territorial integrity (which incorporated the areas of Zhetysu and Almaty region). The annexation of Kazakhstan to Russia which was embarked on in October of 1731 had lasted for more than 130 years.
By the autumn of 1854 there was a reinforced fortification Verney erected which in process of time in 1867 acquired the status of a city. For a number of years Verney was considered to be the administrative centre of the Semirechiye Province (Oblast).
The Soviet Power in Verney was officially proclaimed on March 2-3, 1918. During the Civil war (1918-20) Verney became the center of political and military opposition to the White Guards and counterrevolutionary forces primarily concentrated in Zhetysu.
Another major political campaign was launched in the town when it was officially renamed into Alma-Ata on February 5, 1921. During the Great Patriotic War (WWII) the city was instrumental in turning of Kazakhstan into a powerful military armory. That was the period when the city experienced the surge of industrial development. The December events of 1986 in actuality became the first step on the way to democracy enhancement, when after lengthy silence and shushing citizens were able to vocalize and express their opinion in public. On December 1, 1991 Nursultan Nazarbayev became the first publicly elected President of Kazakhstan. The Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic was renamed into the Republic of Kazakhstan. Finally that Great Day came when on December 16, 1991 Kazakhstan proclaimed its independence.
Central Mosque Almaty
One of the most magnificent Mosques of Kazakhstan is the Central Mosque in Almaty which is undoubtedly constructed in the Timurid style of architecture which was completed in 1999. Central Mosque is a majestic building, constructed in the Timurid style of architecture. A truly magnificent building and the biggest mosque in Kazakhstan garnished with marble and encaustic tiles, presented in Kazakh national style. A blue dome 20 meters in diameter and 36 meters high crowns the top of the Mosque, while the height of the biggest minaret is 47 meters.
This city may be justifiably referred to as the cultural capital city of Kazakhstan: more than 20 theaters, 53 museums and art galleries, more than 18 cinema halls, 25 libraries and other cultural facilities are functioning properly in the city.
The M.Auezov Kazakh State
Academic drama theatre
Central State Museum of the
Republic of Kazakhsan
At present there are 278 nursery education institutions, 227 comprehensive schools, more than 40 higher educational establishments, more than 159 health care facilities functioning in the city.
The city may also be referred to as the home of festivals. Different festivals of different directions have become customary from the city dwellers.
There are about 146 monuments of history and architecture of which 16 are the archeological memorials, 86 are the architectural artifacts and 44 are exhibit items in Almaty.
Altogether there are 12 parks in Almaty, more than 80 squares, 15 parkways which are available for those individuals willing to stroll in the fresh air.
Speed skating Medeo
Almaty is also famous for Kok-Tobe Mountain which is the highest point of Almaty city, mountain’s height is 1100 meters above sea level. The Kok-Tobe recreational area has a variety of amusement park type attractions and restaurants. It is connected to downtown Almaty by a cable car line. The viewing platform at the Kok-Tobe Mountain enables to enjoy the views of the city during the day time and particularly at night.
One of the principal objectives at the moment is to upgrade Almaty to a world-renowned financial center and hub of state-of-the-art technologies. Dynamically developing, comfortable for work and leisure Almaty indisputably is one of the leading cities of the Republic of Kazakhstan.