Astana history

The history of Astana, the modern capital of Kazakhstan, begins in the first half of the 19th century. It is a story of transforming a small military post into one of the most dynamically developing metropolises in Eurasia.

The city's foundation dates back to 1830, when a Cossack outpost was established on the banks of the Ishim River under the orders of Lieutenant Colonel Fyodor Shubin. Initially, it was called the Akmolinsk Order, and the settlement around it was known as Akmolinsk. Akmolinsk received city status in 1862. The name "Akmola," which translates as "white shrine" or "white grave," is likely linked to a nearby limestone hill or mausoleum.

Several key factors defined the city's development:

• Geographic Location: Akmolinsk was founded in a strategically important spot—in the centre of the Kazakh steppes—making it a key point for territorial control and the development of trade relations.
• Trade Routes: The city quickly became a vital trade hub. Caravan routes passed through it, connecting it with the cities of Turkestan, Bukhara, and Kokand, as well as regions of the Russian Empire.
• Administrative Centre: In 1868, Akmolinsk became a district city of the newly formed Akmolinsk Region, strengthening its political and administrative significance.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Akmolinsk was known as a major trading node. Fairs flourished here, selling livestock, wool, and agricultural produce. The city's economy was primarily trade and craft-based: small brick and leather factories, mills, forges, and workshops operated here. The construction of the railway in the 1930s gave a new impetus to Akmolinsk's development, turning it into a crucial transport hub and paving the way for its further growth in the Soviet period under the name Tselinograd.

Key Milestones in the History of Astana

The history of Kazakhstan's capital is a kaleidoscope of eras and names, reflecting the city's rapid development from a small outpost to a modern metropolis.

• 1830 — The Akmolinsk Order Cossack outpost is founded, becoming the starting point in the city's history.
• 1862 — The settlement receives official city status and the name Akmolinsk.
• 1868 — Akmolinsk becomes the district centre of the Akmolinsk Region, strengthening its administrative significance.
• 1939 — The city becomes the centre of the newly formed Akmolinsk Region within the Kazakh SSR.
• 1954 — Akmolinsk is designated as one of the centres for the development of virgin and fallow lands.
• 1961 — The city is renamed Tselinograd to emphasize its key role in the Virgin Lands campaign.
• 1992 — After Kazakhstan gains independence, the city's historical name, Akmola, is restored.
• 1994 — The historic decision is made to move the capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan from Almaty to Akmola.
• 1997 — On December 10, Akmola is officially declared the capital of Kazakhstan.
• 1998 — The capital receives a new name—Astana, which translates from Kazakh as "capital."
• 1999 — UNESCO awards Astana the title "City of Peace" for social development and contribution to culture.
• 2017 — Astana hosts the International Specialized Exhibition EXPO-2017, dedicated to Future Energy.
• 2019 — The city is renamed Nur-Sultan.
• 2022 — Following constitutional amendments, the capital returns to the name Astana.

Key Stages of Astana's Development

The transformation of Astana from a provincial town into a modern capital is the result of several key stages, each making a fundamental contribution to its economic, cultural, and urban appearance.

The Virgin Lands Campaign (1950–1960s)

In the mid-20th century, the city, then called Akmolinsk, became the centre for the development of virgin and fallow lands. In 1961, it was renamed Tselinograd, which emphasized its new role. This period was marked by:

• Demographic Growth: Hundreds of thousands of specialists and workers from all over the USSR arrived in the region, leading to a sharp increase in population.
• Infrastructure Development: Residential quarters, roads, industrial enterprises, and social facilities were built for the needs of the Virgin Lands region. The city turned into an important transport and scientific centre specializing in agriculture.

Transfer of the Capital (1997)

The decision to move the capital from Almaty to Akmola (which regained its historical name in 1992) became the main turning point in the city's history. The city was officially declared the capital on December 10, 1997. This step was driven by geopolitical, economic, and demographic reasons and provided a powerful impulse for development:

• Economic Boom: The transfer of the capital attracted colossal investments in construction and urban environment development.
• Urban Transformation: A large-scale reconstruction of old districts and preparation for the development of new territories began.

Kisho Kurokawa's Master Plan

In 1998, the city received a new name—Astana, meaning "capital." To create the look of the new metropolis, an international competition was held, won by the project of the famous Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa. His concept of "symbiotic architecture" envisioned a harmonious merger of the city and nature. This defined the unique futuristic look of the capital, especially its new administrative-business centre on the left bank of the Ishim River.

Development of the Left Bank

Before the capital transfer, the left bank of the Ishim was primarily marshy and undeveloped land. Building a new centre from scratch allowed for the realization of bold architectural projects and the creation of a modern urban environment. Key city symbols were erected here: the "Baiterek" monument, the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, the "Ak Orda" Presidential Residence, and ministry buildings. The Left Bank became the calling card not only of Astana but of all Kazakhstan.

International Recognition and EXPO-2017

The new capital quickly made itself known on the world stage. In 1999, UNESCO awarded Astana the title "City of Peace" for its contribution to social development and strengthening cultural dialogue. A key event cementing the city's international status was the hosting of the International Specialized Exhibition EXPO-2017 on the theme "Future Energy." For this event, a new airport terminal, a new railway station, and a unique exhibition complex were built, which was transformed into a business and innovation cluster after the event concluded.

Astana's architectural appearance is a vivid example of how completely different urban planning eras can coexist and contrast within one territory. The city is clearly divided by the Ishim River into two parts: the historic right bank and the modern left bank, reflecting its unique development path from a Soviet regional centre to a futuristic capital.

Soviet Modernism (1960–1980s)

During the period when the city was called Tselinograd and served as the centre for virgin lands development, its construction was conducted in the spirit of Soviet Modernism. This style prioritized functionality over decoration. The architecture of that time is characterized by:

• Standard residential developments (micro-districts with "khrushchevka" and panel buildings).
• Strict administrative building facades devoid of ornamentation.
• Wide avenues and large open squares.

Landmark objects of that era include the Palace of Tselinniks (now the Congress Hall), built in 1963, and old hotel buildings such as the "Ishim." Many buildings from this period have been reconstructed or replaced by new structures today, but the right bank still preserves the atmosphere of that era.

Postmodernism and High-Tech (from 1997 to present)

After the capital transfer in 1997, the most massive stage in the city's urban planning history began. The development of the new administrative centre on the left bank followed the master plan of Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa, who proposed the concept of "symbiotic architecture." World-renowned architects, including Norman Foster, Manfredi Nicoletti, and others, were involved in creating the new capital's appearance.

This period is characterized by Postmodernism, High-Tech, and Neo-Futurism styles, manifested in the following features:

• The use of glass, metal, and concrete as primary materials.
• Bold and unusual forms, often with symbolic meaning.
• The scale and grandeur of the structures.
• Integration of national motifs into modern architecture.

Key buildings that formed the modern look of Astana:

• "Baiterek" Monument — the main symbol of the city, embodying the tree of life from Kazakh mythology.
• Palace of Peace and Reconciliation (arch. Norman Foster) — a pyramid-shaped building symbolizing the unity of religions and cultures.
• "Khan Shatyr" Shopping and Entertainment Centre (arch. Norman Foster) — a giant transparent tent that entered the Guinness Book of Records and is considered one of the best eco-buildings in the world.
• "Ak Orda" Presidential Residence — a majestic building with a blue dome, combining Western and Eastern motifs in its architecture.
• "Nur Alem" Sphere — the pavilion built for the EXPO-2017 exhibition, the largest spherical building in the world.

Distinguished Figures in the History of Astana

The history of Astana, from Akmolinsk and Tselinograd to the modern capital, is inextricably linked with the names of outstanding figures who made a significant contribution to its development, culture, and global image. In different eras, people lived, created, and worked here, whose names are forever inscribed in the city's chronicles.

• Saken Seifullin (1894–1938)
  Role: Founder of modern Kazakh literature, poet, writer, and statesman.
  Significance: Although Seifullin was not born in the city, his life and tragic fate are closely intertwined with Akmolinsk. He made a huge contribution to the establishment of Kazakh literature and statehood. Today, one of the country's largest agrarian universities, located in Astana, bears Saken Seifullin's name, as do streets and a museum dedicated to his heritage.
• Alexander Baraev (1908–1985)
  Role: Soviet agronomist, academician, founder of the soil-protective farming system.
  Significance: In the Soviet period, when the city was called Tselinograd and was the centre of the virgin lands campaign, Alexander Baraev's work was of decisive importance. He headed the All-Union Research Institute of Grain Farming, located near the city, and developed methods to combat wind erosion that saved thousands of hectares of arable land. His scientific works formed the basis for agricultural development in the entire region.
• Nursultan Nazarbayev (born 1940)
  Role: First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
  Significance: He is the initiator of the historic decision to move the capital from Almaty to Akmola in 1997. This step became a turning point in the city's history and launched its massive transformation into the modern metropolis known today as Astana.
• Kisho Kurokawa (1934–2007)
  Role: World-renowned Japanese architect and theorist.
  Significance: Author of the master plan for Astana's development, which won an international competition. His concept of "symbiotic architecture," envisioning harmony between the city and nature, defined the unique futuristic look of the capital's left bank and laid the foundation for its further urban development.
• Norman Foster (born 1935)
  Role: British architect, Pritzker Prize laureate.
  Significance: Designed several of the most recognizable symbols of modern Astana. Among his works are the "Baiterek" monument, the pyramid-shaped Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, and the "Khan Shatyr" Shopping and Entertainment Centre. These buildings not only formed the new architectural landscape of the capital but also made it famous throughout the world.
• Aiman Mussakhajayeva (born 1958)
  Role: World-famous violinist, conductor, People's Artist of Kazakhstan.
  Significance: An outstanding cultural figure who has made a huge contribution to the musical life of the capital. She is the founder and rector of the Kazakh National University of Arts in Astana. She has been awarded the title of UNESCO "Artist for Peace" and "Honorary Citizen of Astana" for her activities in developing culture and the arts.
• Daniyar Yeleussinov (born 1991)
  Role: Boxer, 2016 Olympic champion, world champion.
  Significance: One of the most titled athletes of modern Kazakhstan, whose career is closely linked to the capital. As a graduate of one of Astana's schools, he represents the city and country on the international sports arena, serving as an example for the younger generation.