Astana, Capital city in northern Kazakhstan
Astana is the capital of Kazakhstan on the banks of the Ishim River, extending across six administrative districts with contemporary buildings, wide boulevards, and scientific institutions. The river divides the city into an older south bank with lower structures and a newer north bank where tall towers and government complexes stand.
The site began in 1830 as a Cossack stronghold called Akmolinsk, evolving over decades into a regional trading center within the Russian Empire. In 1997, the city was designated as the new capital of Kazakhstan, taking over that role from Almaty.
The National Museum displays objects from ancient periods, traditional clothing, and paintings across multiple floors that visitors can explore at their own pace. Walking through the streets, you hear both Kazakh and Russian spoken around you, while cafés and restaurants serve dishes from nomadic cooking traditions alongside modern international food.
The city records temperatures from minus 50 degrees Celsius (minus 58 degrees Fahrenheit) in winter to plus 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in summer, with many indoor facilities maintaining activities throughout the year. If you want to get your bearings, you will find wide streets with clear sightlines, while most public buildings offer ramps and elevators for access.
Bayterek Tower from 1997 reaches a height of 97 meters (318 feet) and houses an observation deck offering views across the developing cityscape. Inside, you can find a golden handprint that visitors compare with their own hand to symbolically express wishes for the future.
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