Дом аксакала Сейдалина

The Elder's House is a two-story wooden structure built from Tian Shan spruce on a stone foundation in central Almaty. The building features ornate wooden cornices with carved details that reflect late 19th century urban construction methods.

The building survived the 1887 earthquake, after which Seid Ahmed Seidalin provided shelter, yurts, and food to residents of Verny affected by the disaster. This act of community support during the crisis solidified the house's importance to the city.

This residence became the birthplace of Kazakhstan's first Kazakh-language newspaper, which started as Herald of Working People before becoming known as Ushkyn. The building itself tells the story of how media and literature took root in the young city.

The building now houses the D.A. Kunaev International Foundation along with cafes and shops on the ground level. Visitors should check ahead to confirm access, as parts of the structure may have limited hours.

The house stands out for its finely carved wooden decorative elements on the facade, showcasing the craftsmanship of late 19th century builders. Few visitors realize these ornate details reveal how prominent the Seidalin family was in early Almaty society.