History of Oskemen

The history of Oskemen, known as Ust-Kamenogorsk until 1993, begins in the 18th century. The city was founded as a military fortress and eventually evolved into a major industrial and cultural centre in the east of Kazakhstan.

Foundation and First Mentions

The city was founded in 1720 as the Ust-Kamenogorsk fortress. This took place as part of an expedition led by Major Ivan Likharev, sent by decree of Peter I to explore the headwaters of the Irtysh River and search for gold deposits. The fortress was established in a strategically important location—at the confluence of the Irtysh and Ulba rivers—becoming one of the key outposts of the Irtysh defensive line on the southern borders of the Russian Empire.

Key Factors of Development

Several key factors determined the city's development:

• Geographical Location: Its position at the intersection of waterways and at the foot of the Rudny Altai, a region rich in minerals, predetermined its economic destiny.
• Trade and Industry: Gradually, military significance gave way to trade. Caravan routes passed through the city, and active mining of polymetallic ores began in the 19th century. This laid the foundation for transforming Ust-Kamenogorsk into a centre of non-ferrous metallurgy.
• Administrative Status: In 1868, Ust-Kamenogorsk received city status, which contributed to its further growth and urban improvement.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Initially a military settlement, the city gradually acquired the features of a multinational trading hub. Cossacks, merchants, and craftsmen lived here. The economy of the early period was closely tied to agriculture, trade with neighbouring regions, and the gradual development of the Altai's natural wealth. It is this heritage—a combination of military history and industrial potential—that formed the unique character of modern Oskemen.

Chronology of the City's History

The history of Oskemen (Ust-Kamenogorsk) is a journey from a military fortress to a major industrial and cultural hub in eastern Kazakhstan. Key events reflect its strategic importance, industrial development, and cultural formation.

• 1720 — By decree of Peter I, Ivan Likharev's expedition founded the Ust-Kamennaya fortress at the confluence of the Irtysh and Ulba rivers.
• 1804 — The settlement at the fortress received the status of a town, marking the first step towards civil administration.
• 1868 — Ust-Kamenogorsk was granted the status of a district (uyezd) city, which facilitated the development of trade, crafts, and administrative functions.
• 1912 — The first cinema, "Echo", opened in the city, testifying to the emergence of new forms of cultural leisure.
• 1934 — Construction of a railway linking the city with Rubtsovsk, and subsequently with the Trans-Siberian and Central Asian mainlines, strengthened its transport significance.
• 1939 — Ust-Kamenogorsk became the administrative centre of the newly formed East Kazakhstan Region.
• 1939 — Start of construction of the Ust-Kamenogorsk Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP), which became one of the key energy facilities in the region.
• 1947 — The Ust-Kamenogorsk Lead-Zinc Combine began operations, defining the city's industrial profile for decades to come.
• 1952 — The Ust-Kamenogorsk HPP produced its first industrial current, providing energy to the rapidly developing industry.
• 1958 — The Ust-Kamenogorsk Television Centre became the first in the Kazakh SSR to begin regular broadcasting.
• 1970 — A major road bridge across the Irtysh River was commissioned, significantly improving transport connections within the city.
• 1993 — As part of the renaming process within independent Kazakhstan, the city of Ust-Kamenogorsk received its official name in the Kazakh language — Oskemen.

Key Stages of Oskemen's Development

From a military fortress to a major industrial centre, Oskemen has travelled a long path marked by significant transformations. Each stage has left its mark on the city's economy, architecture, and culture.

• Obtaining City Status (1868): Transformation from a military station to a district city gave impetus to the development of trade and crafts. The first industrial enterprises for processing agricultural raw materials began to appear in Ust-Kamenogorsk, and its role as a trading hub on the route to Mongolia and China was strengthened.
• Railway Construction (1930s): The laying of a railway line connecting the city to the Trans-Siberian Railway was a crucial infrastructure project. This opened the way for large-scale development of the natural resources of Rudny Altai and laid the foundation for future industrial growth.
• Industrialisation (1940–1960s): During World War II and the post-war period, the city turned into the centre of non-ferrous metallurgy in Kazakhstan. Industrial giants were built and launched: the Lead-Zinc Combine (now "Kazzinc"), the Ulba Metallurgical Plant, and the Titanium-Magnesium Combine. This defined the economic outlook of the city for decades.
• Launch of the Ust-Kamenogorsk HPP (1952): The construction of the hydroelectric power station on the Irtysh, begun in 1939, provided the booming industry with necessary energy. The unique single-chamber navigation lock, commissioned in 1953, became an important part of the region's water transport system.
• Urban Environment Development (1950–1970s): Parallel to industrial growth, active urban planning took place. During this period, the first higher education institutions were opened, including pedagogical and construction-road institutes, and the television centre and tram system were launched. Iconic landmarks appeared, such as the bridge across the Irtysh and the Palace of Sports.
• Renaming to Oskemen (1993): Within the framework of sovereign Kazakhstan, the historical name Ust-Kamenogorsk was officially changed to the Kazakh name — Oskemen. This step symbolised a new stage in the history of the city and the country.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The architecture of Oskemen represents a unique chronicle capturing the city's transformation from a military fortress and merchant settlement into a major industrial centre. The urban development of the city was dictated by the natural landscape: residential quarters and industrial zones stretched along the banks of the Irtysh and Ulba rivers, forming a recognisable silhouette against the backdrop of the Rudny Altai mountains.

Architectural Styles and Historical Eras

In the modern appearance of the city, several key architectural layers corresponding to different historical periods can be distinguished:

• Siberian Architecture and Brick Style (late 19th – early 20th century): In the old part of the city, especially in the area of Zhastar Park (formerly Kirov Park) and Kaisenov Street, examples of merchant buildings have been preserved. These are one- and two-story red brick buildings with eclectic elements and wooden houses with carvings, characteristic of trading towns of that time.
• Stalinist Neoclassicism (1940–1950s): The period of rapid industrialisation gave the city its grand centre. Buildings of this style are distinguished by monumentality, the use of columns, stucco moulding, arches, and spires. This style, also known as "Stalinist Empire", was intended to demonstrate the power of Soviet industry.
• Soviet Modernism and Functionalism (1960–1980s): The era of mass construction brought wide avenues and micro-districts to the city. Architecture became more concise and utilitarian, with an emphasis on concrete, glass, and simple geometric forms. During this time, the Irtysh embankment was actively developed.
• Modern Architecture (since the 1990s): In the period of independent Kazakhstan, the city has been enriched with new cultural and religious landmarks, executed using modern materials and oriental motifs.

Iconic Buildings and Districts

The city's appearance is formed by several key objects that have become calling cards of different eras:

• Palace of Culture of Metallurgists (DKM): The most striking example of the Stalinist Empire style in the city. Its majestic facade with a colonnade and sculptures on the pediment is the architectural dominant of the central district.
• The Strelka (Arrow) and Memorial Complex: The area where the Irtysh and Ulba rivers merge, designed in the late Soviet period. The Victory Monument is located here, which, together with the embankment, creates an important urban ensemble.
• Khalifa Altay Mosque: One of the largest religious structures in the region, built in a modern style while observing classic Islamic canons, symbolising the spiritual revival of the city in the 21st century.

Outstanding Personalities Associated with the City

The history of Oskemen (Ust-Kamenogorsk) is closely intertwined with the names of many talented and influential people who left a significant mark on science, culture, sports, and industry. The city became the birthplace or an important stage in life for a number of outstanding individuals.

• Alexander Melentyevich Volkov (1891–1977) — Writer, playwright, and educator. Born in Ust-Kamenogorsk, he began his teaching career here. He gained worldwide fame for his cycle of fairy-tale novellas "The Wizard of the Emerald City", which became classics of children's literature for many generations.
• Yefim Pavlovich Slavsky (1898–1991) — Statesman, one of the leaders of the USSR's atomic industry. Although not a native of the city, his contribution to the industrial development of Ust-Kamenogorsk is immense. Under his leadership, key industrial enterprises were created that defined the city's economic profile. In recognition of his merits, he was awarded the title of Honorary Citizen, and the embankment bears his name.
• Yevgeny Ivanovich Paladiev (1948–2010) — Famous Soviet ice hockey player and defender. A native of Ust-Kamenogorsk, he is one of the brightest graduates of the local hockey school. As part of the USSR national team, he became a world champion three times and was a participant in the legendary 1972 Summit Series.
• Olga Sergeyevna Rypakova (born 1984) — Outstanding Kazakhstani track and field athlete, Olympic champion. Born and raised in Ust-Kamenogorsk. Specialising in the triple jump, she won the gold medal at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, as well as silver (2008) and bronze (2016) medals at other Olympics. An athletics centre in the city is named in her honour.
• Lera Kudryavtseva (born 1971) — Famous TV presenter, actress, and public figure. She was born in Ust-Kamenogorsk, where she graduated from the cultural enlightenment school with a degree in "theatre directing" before moving and building a successful career on television.
• Yevgeny Chebatkov (born 1990) — Popular stand-up comedian, TV and radio presenter. Born and spent his childhood in Ust-Kamenogorsk, which is often reflected in his work. Today he is one of the most recognisable representatives of modern humour.