Астана, the vibrant capital of Kazakhstan, has a compelling history that reflects the evolution of the entire nation. Originally founded as Akmolinsk in 1830 as a small fortress settlement, the city grew gradually over the years. During the Soviet era, it was renamed Tselinograd in the 1960s to serve as the center of the Virgin Lands campaign, a major Soviet agricultural project. After Kazakhstan gained its independence in 1991, the city once more transformed – first regaining the name Akmola and then receiving the name Астана in 1998 when it was designated the country’s new capital, moving government functions from Алматы. For a period between 2019 and 2022, the city was known as Nur-Sultan in honor of the first president, but eventually the original name, Астана, was restored.
The decision to make Астана the capital was taken for both strategic and economic reasons. Situated in the northern steppes and more centrally located than the former capital, Алматы, it provided better administrative accessibility for the entire country. Additionally, Астана’s transformation into a capital city was a monumental example of urban planning – designed from the ground up to project Kazakhstan’s ambitions and modern identity to the world. The government invested heavily into infrastructure, architecture, and urban development, inviting world-renowned architects, such as Kisho Kurokawa and Norman Foster, to envision and create a dynamic, futuristic skyline.
The name ‘Astana‘ itself is simple yet meaningful – it translates literally to ‘capital‘ in Kazakh. Driving through Астана you will see that the city is developing really fast. Everywhere new skyscrapers are being built and through the city you can observe the construction of an overground metro linking the airport in the future to various points in the city. Unfortunately, the capital city is a place obviously designed for cars: with wide streets and priority over pedestrians. You don’t want to walk in the city, you’ll probably choose to take a car or taxi most times.
For visitors, Астана offers a selection of architectural and cultural milestones not to be missed. Ten of the most important places to visit include: the soaring Bayterek tower, a symbol of national aspiration; the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, renowned for its pyramid design; the futuristic Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center; the Nur Alem Sphere at EXPO 2017 site; the National Museum of Kazakhstan; the Ak Orda presidential palace; the Hazret Sultan Mosque, one of the largest in Central Asia; the tranquil Nurzhol boulevard; the unique oceanarium; and the Independence square with the national monument. Each landmark offers a glimpse into Астана’s soaring ambitions and its blend of traditional culture with bold, contemporary vision.
Астана
Kazakhstan
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