Almaty
INTRO
"The City of Apples" and former capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Almaty is still the largest, most populated and central commercial city in the country. Famous for its beautiful apple gardens and breathtaking surrounding environment, Almaty is known for its developed winter tourism and long historical background.
City Profile
City: Almaty
Country: Kazahstan
Area: 324.8 km²
Population: 1,226,300
Districts: 6
Mayor: Imangali Tasmagambetov
Language: American English
LOCATION
Being the largest city of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Almaty is located in the far east-southern tip of the country, right on the border with Kyrgyzstan. Nestled at the foot of the Tien Shan Mountain range, Almaty is frequently called the Southern capital of Kazakhstan and is easily accessible by plane through its close-by international airport.
TIME TO VISIT
Weather conditions in Almaty are generally milder than those in the northern parts of the country. The city has a continental climate with temperatures that typically fluctuate in a matter of 24 hours. Overall, summers are hot with average outside temperature of around 30 degrees Celsius while winters are cold and humid, which contributes to the perceived temperature as being lower than it actually is. Snowing is abundant during the winter, which provides various options for winter sports and skiing. The best time to visit Almaty, if you are a skiing buff, is during January when the nearby ski resort becomes the heart of Almaty's tourism. Otherwise, summers and springs are also good seasons for spending time in Almaty as the mountains are particularly beautiful and inviting.
POPULATION
For the past several years the number of Kazakhs that live in Almaty has increased dramatically. Previously, the majority of the population was Russian but today they comprise only 40 percent of the total. Overall, there are over a million citizens permanently living in the former Kazakhstan capital, of which 43 percent are Kazakhs and the rest include Russians, Tatars, Koreans, Ukrainians and Germans. The official language in the country is Kazakh but almost all of the local people speak and understand Russian. Many use a little bit of English but if you have some knowledge of Russian, you will manage around better.
DISTRICTS
Almaty is divided into six distinctive neighbourhoods but what is of main interest for the tourists is the downtown area and the natural surroundings of the city, where all the attractions are situated.
- Almalinsky
- Auezovsky
- Bostandyksky
- Medeusky
- Turksibsky
- Zhetysusky
SIGHTS & ATTRACTIONS
It is unlikely that you find nothing that matches your interests while staying in the former Kazakhstan capital. Apart from the cultural life that is represented in the unique opera performances and special Kazakh cuisine, the city boasts various tourists attractions that will capture your curiosity.
- Zenkov Cathedral is a Russian cathedral dating back to the tsar era in Kazakhstan. It was designed by the Russian architect Zenkov in 1904 and is located inside Panfilov Park. The church was constructed without iron nails and is probably the most beautiful places in the city, especially when considering the blooming flowers that surround it.
- Central Mosque is the biggest mosque in Kazakhstan that is the new main central Islam building in the country. Typically for all Central Asian mosques, this one has one turquoise dome and five symmetrical minarets surrounding it. The interior is also attractive as there are carvings in the stone walls.
- Republic Square is the very centre of Almaty, the former administrative heart of city, where the Monument to Independence is situated. This Kazakh memorial consists of a statue of the "Golden Man" atop the obelisk. At the bottom several fountains and bas-reliefs depict moments of the country's history. The square also houses the City Government Building designed in neo-classical style. The Presidential Residence and the National Museum are also situated here. http://www.mayor-almaty.kz/
- Medeu Ice-Skating Rink is one of the most famous speed skating rinks in the world located in the Zalaisky mountain just outside of Almaty. It is the highest olympic-sized stadium that is constructed on a beautiful area that offers wide variety of hiking trails and beautiful landscapes. Below the ice-skating rink there is water swimming pool where one can refresh during the hot summer days. The mountain is also home of the Chimbulak ski resort.
- Cental Gorky Park is a big green park with a like with boats inside where people go during the weekends. The Almaty zoo and a small theme park with fun houses and carrossels are among the places where one can spend a relaxing day out in a nice weather.
AIRPORT
Kazakhstan's largest international airport is situated not far from Almaty. Daily flights provide easy access to the country from different destination in Europe and Asia. Visas have to be obtained in advance unless there is no Kazakhstan embassy in the country you will be coming from.
- Almaty International Airport is located at only 18 kilometres from the city. The fastest way to reach downtown is by taking a taxi that costs around $20 - $25. Much cheaper option is to take the public transportation. Two buses, bus number 92 and 492, come to the airport and go back to the city for a regular ticket fare of 25 tenge. Some of the more expensive hotels inside the city offer free transportation from the airport so if you are staying in one of those, you might want to check that before you arrive in Almaty. More info at: http://en.alaport.com/main.html
LOCAL TRANSPORTATION
Getting around in Columbus is easy. Several options are available.
- Buses in Almaty are small buses that operate on fixed routes throughout the whole city. Fares: 25 tenge.
- Tram is the other means of public transportation that runs through Almaty. It is cheap and fast but you need to know the routes in advance.
- Bicycles are the main means of transportation for many young people in the Kazakhstan commercial capital. It is cheap to rent one but don't forget to lock it when you get off.
- Taxis in Almaty are two types: official and non-official taxis. You can just flag cars down on the street and someone will take you wherever you are going. Such services should cost no more than 200 tenge, which about $1.50. Official taxis are easily recognizable and charge around 30, 50, 100 tenge, depending on the distance. It is advisable to agree on a price before getting into the car.
- Cars can be rented either from the airport or from an agency in the city. It is convenient as you may drive outside the city whenever you want but beware that driving in Almaty can be a little adventurous.
HISTORY
The name "Almaty" originates from the older Russian version of the city's name, which means "rich with apples". Indeed, the former Kazakhstan's capital if famous for its juicy red apples. The region of the present city, however, have been inhabited for a lot longer than its Russian influenced history, since as yearly as the Bronze Age when its was a farming village. Most importantly though, Almaty was a part of the ancient Silk Road and this is the time when it first started being referred to as Almatu. The town as we know it today was initially established in 1854 as a military fortress and a trading centre by the Russians. It used to serve as an exile place during the Tsarist regime in the 19th century. Since the city is situated on a seismic zone, it suffered two earthquake destructions in 1887 and in 1911. Most of its expansion took place during the World War II when many factories were relocated on its territory. In 1928 Almaty was chosen to be the regional capital and it served as such until 1998 when the Independent Republic of Kazakhstan moved it to Astana.
CITY LINKS
- Almaty News: A Daily Newspaper in English: http://www.almatynews.com/
- Useful Tips: http://wikitravel.org/en/Almaty
- Almaty Official Website: http://www.almaty.kz/page.php
UNIVERSITY LINKS
- Kazakh National Technical University: http://www.kazntu.kz
- Al-Farabi Kazakh National University: http://www.kazsu.kz/english.aspx
- Suleyman Demirel University: http://www.sdu.edu.kz/
- Kazakh Institute of Management, Economics and Strategic Research: http://www.kimep.kz/