About Kazakhstan
What is now the Republic of Kazakhstan has been inhabited since the Paleolithic era. Among its earliest inhabitants were the Botai, a nomadic group that established settlements and are credited with domesticating the horse. The area was largely populated by various nomadic tribes until it became a Soviet Republic in the 1920s. Kazakhstan is the ninth largest country in the world and the largest in Central Asia; it is landlocked and has abundant natural mineral resources.
Where is Kazakhstan?
Kazakhstan is in Central Asia and bordered by Russia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and the People’s Republic of China. It also has shorelines on the Caspian and Aral lakes.
The capital and other cities of Kazakhstan
We look forward to discovering Kazakhstan’s capital and other cities – if you’re ready, let’s travel to the heart of Central Asia.
The capital of Kazakhstan: Astana
In 1997, the capital of Kazakhstan was moved to Astana from Almaty. Set in the country’s northeast, Astana is a Central Asian city that has come to the foreground in terms of tourism in recent years.
Featuring modern and contemporary structures, the city has become a commercial and cultural hub. Some of its important sites include the Khan Shatyr, the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, the Baiterek Tower, the Nur Astana Mosque, Nurzhol Boulevard and the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
A dynamic city: Almaty
Almaty, in the south of the country, is the former capital and is considered the most developed city in Central Asia. Offering urban amenities such as wide streets, numerous restaurants and large shopping centers, Almaty is also rich in terms of historical and natural sites.
Some of the city’s notable places to visit include Almaty Republic Square, Zenkov (Ascension) Cathedral, the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, the Big Almaty Lake, the Green Bazaar (Kok Bazaar), Kok Tobe (Blue Hill Mountain) and the Central State Museum.
Trade center: Shymkent
Shymkent, the third largest city in Kazakhstan, is also one of the country’s most cosmopolitan: as a major stop on the Turkestan-Siberian Railway the city is prominent in terms of international trade as well as tourism.
Featuring a number of parks, Shymkent’s notable sites include Abay Park, the Regional Museum, the Ethno Museum (Kyluyet), Shamshi World (Shamshi’ alemi) and Independence Park.
A mining city: Karaganda
Karaganda is the fourth-most populous city in Kazakhstan and the administrative center of Karaganda Region. A coal mining center during the 20th century, the area also offers natural beauties, art and culture. Notable sites in Karaganda include Independence Monument, the Regional Central Mosque, Lenin Statue, Vvedenskiy Cathedral and St. Joseph’s Cathedral.
Dining in Kazakhstan
This fascinating country has an equally unique culinary culture that incorporates mutton and horse meat, along with dairy products and baked goods. Traditional beverages, such as fermented mare’s milk, are worth trying as are the following dishes:
- Beshbarmak (boiled meat with noodles)
- Pelmeni (Kazakh-style ravioli)
- Shelpek (fried flatbread)
- Kuurdak (braised meat and potatoes)
- Zhent (Kazakh-style millet dessert)
Useful information on Kazakhstan
- The capital of Kazakhstan: Astana
- Official language of Kazakhstan: Kazakh
- The currency of Kazakhstan: Kazakhstani Tenge
- The largest airport in Kazakhstan: Almaty International Airport
- Kazakhstan has a harsh continental climate.
- The ideal time to visit Kazakhstan is during the spring and autumn
Getting to Kazakhstan
Turkish Airlines operates direct flights to various cities in Kazakhstan. Click here for more information on flights to Kazakhstan and start exploring the country!
Have a great trip!
