Semey

Semey is a river port city on the Irtysh in eastern Kazakhstan, stretching across both banks with bridges linking different neighborhoods. The urban landscape shows wide boulevards with Soviet-era structures beside newer residential blocks and several public squares along the waterfront promenade.

A Russian fortress appeared in 1718 near seven Buddhist temples and gave the settlement its name. Flooding forced residents to relocate in 1778 to the present site, where the city grew into a trade hub during the 19th century.

Several theaters and a drama ensemble perform works in different languages, offering insight into Kazakh and Russian cultural traditions. Academic institutions along the main avenues draw students from across the region and shape the lively cityscape through young people in cafés and parks.

Visitors can explore the city on foot, as many points of interest lie within the center and are connected by tree-lined avenues. Summer months bring high temperatures, so spring and autumn suit longer walks along the riverfront better.

A memorial honors Fyodor Dostoyevsky, who spent five years in exile here and later drew on his experiences in literary works. The nearby nuclear test site influenced the environment and life of the population between 1949 and 1989, now remembered through memorials.