Temirtau

Temirtau is an industrial center in Karaganda Region, Kazakhstan, situated along the Samarkand Reservoir of the Nura River and known for its steel mills and chemical plants. The city spreads across wide main streets that connect residential districts with factory grounds, while green spaces between industrial zones provide places to rest.

The settlement began in 1909 as Samarkandsky, a small village, and grew rapidly during World War II when a steel mill was relocated here. The factories started with scrap metal from evacuated operations and shaped the development of the place for decades.

The name means Iron Mountain in Kazakh, reflecting the industrial character that defines the place from its founding. Today you see this heritage in the wide factory districts and worker neighborhoods built around the steel production that still shapes daily routines.

Trains connect the place with other cities in Kazakhstan, making arrival straightforward for visitors. Shops and services concentrate along the wide main streets, where pedestrians can find orientation more easily.

In January 2018, black snow covered the streets, a visible sign of emissions from local factories. This event drew international attention and sparked conversations about air quality in the region.