Astana Celebrates 13th Year As Kazakhstan's Capital City

July 02, 2011

From Azeman Ariffin

ASTANA (Kazakhstan), July 2 (Bernama) -- Astana may be young, but the fast developing city has gained special importance as Kazakhstan is the new chairman of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

Astana, the capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan since 1997, is situated on a picturesque bank of the Ishim River. It will observe its 13th Capital Day celebrations on July 6 which is a public holiday .

The landlocked Kazakhstan, situated along the Silk Road connecting the East and West, is the world's ninth largest country with an area spanning more than 2.9 million square kilometers.

In December 1991, the Muslim-majority country regained its independence from the former Soviet Union. Six years later, Kazakhstan's capital city moved from Almaty to Astana.

Under President Nursultan Nazarbayev, the country developed dramatically with a robust market economy.

According to the Astana Times -- the only English language newspaper in the country - the highlight of celebrations during the public holiday-cum-festive week will be a gala concert, 'Astana Bayt Mekeni' at a square in front of the 'Kazakh Eli' monument.

Back to Kazakhstan history, the town of Akmolinsk acquired incorporated status in 1862. It had long been famous for its fairs, with merchants from all regions of Kazakhstan, Russia and the Central Asian countries traveling here.

As the development of virgin lands began, the town was renamed Tselinograd and typified the administrative center of an agricultural region.

Since acquiring capital status, the city's face has changed dramatically. The architects and builders working in the capital create wonderful architectural ensembles, which harmoniously combine modern design and oriental flair.

The 105-meter high Baiterek Tower has become the city's symbol and its visiting card. It has an observation deck located at 97 meters to provide a bird's eye view of the city.

Astana has become one of the largest business centers in the region. All governmental organizations, diplomatic missions of 44 countries and 113 joint ventures and foreign businesses are located here.

Every year, the city hosts various international industrial exhibitions, conferences, music contests and festivals of the Kazakhstani people.

In 1999, through a decision of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Astana was awarded the title of 'World City'. The city has an opera and ballet theater, drama theater and a variety of museums.

Astana's monuments take one back to its rich history, held in esteem by the people of Kazakhstan.

One of Astana's attractions is the ethnopark 'Map of Kazakhstan - Atameken' which represents a unique outdoor museum. The 1.7 hectare ethnopark features cities and historical memorials of Kazakhstan.

-- BERNAMA

Source: Bernama.
Link: http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsindex.php?id=598467.