Atyrau history

The history of Atyrau, formerly known as Guryev, is a chronicle of the development of the rich Caspian region, the expansion of trade, and the strategic strengthening of borders. The city has journeyed from a small fishing outpost to a major economic centre, while preserving its unique historical heritage.

Foundation and First Mentions

The city was founded in 1640 by the merchant Gury Nazaryev and his sons. Initially, it was a wooden fort built at the mouth of the Yaik River (modern-day Ural) to protect the rich sturgeon fisheries from raids. The settlement's original name was Ust-Yaitskiy Town. Later, it was renamed Guryev Town in honour of its founder. In the mid-17th century, the wooden fortifications were replaced by a stone fortress, highlighting the city's growing importance.

Key Factors of Formation

The city's development was facilitated by a unique combination of several factors:

• Geographical Location: Its location in the delta of the Ural River, where it flows into the Caspian Sea, made the city a natural gateway between Europe and Asia. It was a strategic point on the south-eastern frontiers.
• Trade: Important caravan routes passed through Guryev, connecting the central regions of Russia with Khiva, Bukhara, and other cities of Central Asia. The city became a major transshipment base for trade, on par with Astrakhan. In 1744, a barter yard was opened here for trade with nomads.
• Political Power: Since its foundation, the city served as an important border fortress and military outpost to strengthen influence in the region and ensure the safety of trade routes. Academician Peter Pallas, who visited the city in 1769, noted its superiority over other fortresses on the Yaik.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economy of early Guryev was inextricably linked to the fishing industry, especially sturgeon fishing and the production of black caviar, which became a major export commodity. The abundant fish resources of the Yaik River attracted industrialists and contributed to the rapid growth of the settlement. As an important trade hub at the crossroads of civilisations, the city was distinguished by a multi-ethnic population. Russians, Kazakhs, Tatars, and merchants from various countries lived and interacted here, contributing to the formation of a distinctive culture. The city played a notable role in establishing ties between Russia and the peoples of Kazakhstan.

Chronology of Key Events

The history of Atyrau is a chronicle of strategic decisions, the development of natural resources, and cultural transformations, reflecting the key stages in the development of all of western Kazakhstan.

• 1640 — Merchant Gury Nazarov founded a wooden fort at the mouth of the Yaik River for fishing, marking the beginning of the future city.
• 1647–1648 — By royal decree, a stone fortress was erected on the site of the wooden fort, named Yaitskiy Town.
• 1667–1668 — The city was captured and held by troops led by Stepan Razin.
• 1773–1775 — The fortress found itself in the zone of the Pugachev Rebellion, withstanding a siege and remaining under the control of government troops.
• 1865 — The settlement received the status of the district town of Guryev within the Ural Region.
• 1899 — The first oil gusher struck at the Karashungul field, marking the beginning of the history of oil production in the region.
• 1911 — The discovery of the large Dossor field placed the region on the world stage as a significant centre for oil extraction.
• 1938 — Guryev became the administrative centre of the newly formed Guryev Region of the Kazakh SSR.
• 1941–1945 — The city played a strategic role as a rear hub through which supplies of Baku oil and other resources were transported.
• 1965 — A central reinforced concrete bridge was built across the Ural River, connecting the European and Asian parts of the city.
• 1979 — The giant Tengiz oil and gas field was discovered, determining the city's further economic development.
• 1991 — After Kazakhstan gained independence, the city of Guryev was officially renamed Atyrau.
• 2000 — The large offshore Kashagan field was discovered in the Caspian Sea, strengthening Atyrau's status as the country's oil capital.

Key Stages of Atyrau's Development

From a small fort to a modern oil capital, Atyrau has come a long way, marked by significant transformations. Each stage of its history has contributed to shaping the unique appearance and economic significance of the city.

The Beginning of the Oil Era (Late 19th – Early 20th Century)

This period was a turning point in the history of the city, then called Guryev. The discovery and commencement of industrial development of oil fields in the Emba district transformed it from a trading and fishing centre into a strategically important industrial hub. It was then that the foundation was laid for Atyrau's future status as the oil capital of Kazakhstan.

Industrialisation and Development in the Soviet Period (1930s–1980s)

During the Soviet years, Guryev experienced rapid growth. The construction of a railway linking the city with central regions, along with the establishment of an oil refinery and a fish canning combine, strengthened its industrial potential. New residential areas appeared, such as Zhylgorodok and Balykshi, and the first permanent road bridge was built across the Ural River in the 1960s to connect the expanding parts of the city.

Independence and the Return of the Name (1991)

With the dissolution of the USSR and the declaration of Kazakhstan's independence, the city returned to its historical name — Atyrau. This event marked the beginning of a new era, in which the city became a key centre for attracting international investment to the country's oil and gas sector and a symbol of its economic sovereignty.

Development of Giant Fields (1990s – 2000s)

The development of major oil and gas fields, such as Tengiz and Kashagan, brought Atyrau to the global stage. The influx of foreign investment and technology contributed to the rapid modernisation of the city: modern business centres, international-class hotels, and residential complexes were built, radically changing its architectural appearance.

Modern Urban Planning and Infrastructure

Today, Atyrau is a modern city situated on both banks of the Ural River, on the border of Europe and Asia. For the convenience of residents and guests, eight bridges have been built, including a unique pedestrian bridge that has become one of the city's landmarks. Transport infrastructure is actively developing, including an international airport connecting the region with the world.

The architectural appearance of Atyrau represents a unique combination of eras: from the merchant buildings of Tsarist times to Soviet modernism and the glittering skyscrapers of the modern oil capital. The city's development can be clearly traced through its buildings, which tell the story of the transformation of a small fort into a major industrial centre.

Pre-Revolutionary Development (Late 19th – Early 20th Century)

The historic city centre, located primarily on the right, "European" bank of the Ural, still preserves traces of pre-revolutionary Guryev. The basis of the architecture of that time was the brick style and Russian Classicism, characteristic of district towns of the Russian Empire. Former merchant houses have been preserved, distinguished by their solidity and restrained decor. A striking example is the house of the merchant Tudakov, a single-storey brick building on a high plinth, which served as a prestigious restaurant during the Soviet era. Another iconic object is the Assumption Cathedral (Uspensky Sobor), erected in the late 19th century, which is one of the key religious and architectural landmarks of the old city. Unfortunately, many historical buildings are decaying or being demolished as part of modern reconstruction, although efforts are being made to preserve the most valuable objects.

Soviet Period (1940s – 1980s)

The Soviet era brought planned development and new architectural styles to Atyrau. A special place is occupied by the Zhylgorodok ensemble — a residential area for oil workers built in the 1940s. The buildings here are designed in the style of Soviet Neoclassicism, or "Stalinist Empire style," with characteristic columns, arches, and stucco moulding. The Kurmangazy Palace of Culture in Zhylgorodok is a vivid example of this monumental style and is protected as an architectural monument. Later, in the 1960s–1980s, the city was actively built up with standard multi-storey buildings in the spirit of Soviet modernism and functionalism, which formed the appearance of most residential districts.

Modern Architecture (From the 1990s to the Present)

Since acquiring the status of Kazakhstan's oil capital, Atyrau's architecture has experienced a real boom. Postmodernism and High-tech have become the dominant styles in new construction. The cityscape has been enriched with high-rise office buildings made of glass and concrete, modern residential complexes, hotels, and large public structures. Iconic objects of this period include the central "Imangali" Mosque with its asymmetrical design, the "10 Years of Independence" pedestrian bridge, as well as numerous offices of oil companies that form the city's new business centre. Modern urban planning also focuses on creating a comfortable urban environment: embankments are being reconstructed, and new parks and public spaces are appearing, such as the renovated Isatay and Makhambet Square with its musical fountain.

Outstanding Personalities Connected with Atyrau

The land of Atyrau has given Kazakhstan and the world many talented and outstanding people who have left a noticeable mark in various fields — from art and literature to politics and military affairs.

• Khiuaz Dospanova (1922–2008) — Pilot, navigator-gunner, People's Hero of Kazakhstan. The only Kazakh female pilot to participate in the Great Patriotic War (World War II). Born in the Atyrau (Guryev) region, she became a legendary "Night Witch," displaying incredible courage and bravery. After the war, despite her disability, she held high posts and actively participated in the country's public life.
• Timur Bekmambetov (born 1961) — Film director, screenwriter, and producer. Born in Guryev (now Atyrau). He gained worldwide fame after the release of the films "Night Watch" and "Day Watch," which became box office hits. He successfully continued his career in Hollywood, directing the blockbuster "Wanted." He is one of the most famous directors to emerge from Kazakhstan.
• Imangali Tasmagambetov (born 1956) — A prominent statesman and political figure of Kazakhstan. Born in the Atyrau region. He held key posts in the government, including Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Akim (Mayor) of Astana and Almaty. During his leadership of the Atyrau region (1999–2000), the region received significant momentum in socio-economic development.
• Nurlan Balgimbayev (1947–2015) — Statesman, former Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Born in Guryev. His career was closely linked to the oil and gas industry. He headed the national company "KazakhOil" and made a significant contribution to the establishment and development of the energy sector of independent Kazakhstan, the centre of which is Atyrau.
• Khamit Yergaliyev (1916–1997) — Poet, translator, People's Writer of the Kazakh SSR. A native of the Atyrau region and a veteran of the Great Patriotic War. He is the author of more than 30 books of poetry, in which he praised his native land, history, and the labour of his people. His work is an important part of the cultural heritage of the region and the entire country.
• Kairgali Smagulov (1919–1993) — Veteran of the Great Patriotic War, Hero of the Soviet Union. Born in the Atyrau region, he worked in Guryev before the war. He received the title of Hero for exceptional courage displayed during the Kerch-Eltigen landing operation in 1943. The novella "Soldier from Kazakhstan" by Gabit Musrepov is dedicated to his feat.