Astana, the capital of kazakhstan

Akmola became the new capital of Kazakhstan on December 10, 1997. Later, on May 6, 1998 the new capital was renamed into Astana. Astana has a long history. It began in 1824 when a military settlement was founded by the Cossacks on the banks of the river Ishim. This fortress was given the status of a city in 1868. In the 1950s the city became an important centre of the new virgin land development in the north of the country. The main industry of the city was characterized by mechanical engineering, food and processing industries.

Having got the metropolitan status in 1997 the face of the city has completely changed. Nowadays architects and builders create remarkable architectural ensembles. The tower Baiterek has become a symbol of the city and its visiting card. The height of the tower is 105 meters. There is an observatory on the 97 meter level. The figure 97 was not chosen at random. It symbolizes just the exact year when Astana was declared the capital city of Kazakhstan. There is also an art gallery, a large aquarium and a restaurant inside the tower.

Today Astana is quickly becoming the main business centre of the country. All governmental offices and embassies of many countries are located in the new capital. Astana has become the centre of culture. It has the finest museums and best art galleries. Residents and numerous guests of the city can visit a very interesting opera and ballet theatre and a drama theatre. Among places of interest there is an entertainment complex called "Duman". In its territory there is a sea world show, a modern multiplex cinema, a theatre, a bowling club, some night clubs, hotels, cafes, restaurants and a large pool with different water activities. Another interesting place to visit is a theme park "Atameken". It is a unique museum in the open air.

The National Symbols of Kazakhstan The Flag

A flag of each state is not just a piece of cloth. Very often it is an expression of human hopes and ideas. Behind a flag is the history of the country which it represents, the past and the present of its people; and very often their future, too.

The Kazakhstanee flag has a golden sun in the middle of a blue field, a soaring eagle beneath it and a stripe of a traditional ornament on the left.

The blue colour of the flag symbolizes the blue sky, which has always been the embodiment of peace and prosperity for Kazakh people. It also demonstrates the purity and nobility of the purposes of the young state and their willingness to unity.

The golden sun symbolizes peace and wealth because it gives people warmth and life.

The soaring eagle symbolizes independence of the young state and the nobility and generosity of Kazakh people. The flag was created by Shaken Niyazbekov.

The National Badge

The national badge is a combination of objects that have a symbolic meaning and show the history of Kazakh people.

In the middle of the badge we can see a shanyrak, which is the central and main part of the traditional Kazakh house yurta. The shanyrak supports the roof and serves as the foundation of the house. The foundation is directed at the sky. For Kazakh people the shanyrak has always been the symbol of home. It shows that Kazakhstan is a reliable home for all the people of Kazakhstan.

On both sides of the badge we can see two unicorns or winged horses. In the past the winged horse was regarded as a sacred animal for Kazakh people. On the badge the unicorns are carrying the shanyrak high into the sky. His demonstrates the belief of the people in the bright future.

In the highest point of the badge there is a star. The star on the badge shows the deep belief of the people in the victory and success.

The national badge was designed by Zhandarbec Malibekov and Shota Valikhanov.