Zhezkazgan history

Foundation and First Mentions

Although Zhezkazgan received official city status in 1954, the history of this area is rooted in deep antiquity. The name itself translates as "the place where copper was dug," testifying to ancient mining activities during the Bronze Age. The modern stage of development began with large-scale geological surveys in the early 20th century, when it became clear that the local subsoil concealed some of the richest mineral reserves for which Kazakhstan is renowned.

Key Development Factors

The transformation of a small workers' settlement into a major industrial centre was driven by several factors:

• Geological Discoveries: A decisive role was played by the works of academician Kanysh Satpayev, who proved the region's potential and insisted on establishing a major production facility here.
• Industrial Potential: The foundation of the economy was the construction of a copper smelting combine, which required the creation of robust infrastructure.
• Water Resources: To sustain life in the arid steppe, the Kengir Reservoir was created, becoming a vital water artery and a recreational zone.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Zhezkazgan was formed as a city of metallurgists and miners. Specialists from all over the union gathered here, creating a unique multicultural environment. The city's economy was initially oriented towards ore mining and processing, which defined its layout: wide avenues and residential quarters were built taking into account the wind rose to separate the residential zone from the industrial one. An important milestone was the construction of the railway connecting the "copper capital" with other regions of the country.

Chronology of the City's Development

• Bronze Age: On the territory where Zhezkazgan is located today, ancient metallurgists began the first excavations of copper ore.
• 1847: Russian merchant Nikolay Ushakov officially registered the copper deposit, marking the beginning of the history of industrial development in the region.
• 1929: A geological expedition led by Kanysh Satpayev commenced large-scale exploration of the subsoil, confirming the presence of colossal copper reserves.
• 1940: Construction of the Zharyk — Zhezkazgan railway line was completed, connecting the mining region to the country's transport network.
• 1952: The Kengir Reservoir was filled, becoming the main source of fresh water for industry and the population in the steppe conditions.
• 1954: The working settlement of Kengir received city status and the official name Zhezkazgan, beginning its development as a major industrial centre.
• 1973: The city became the administrative centre of the newly formed Dzhezkazgan Region, leading to the active construction of residential quarters and cultural facilities.
• 1992: Independent Kazakhstan began economic reforms, and the "Kazakhmys" corporation was created based on local enterprises.
• 1997: As a result of administrative reform, the city became part of the Karaganda Region, retaining its status as an important industrial hub.
• 2014: Traffic opened on the new Zhezkazgan — Beyneu railway line, which significantly shortened the route for cargo to the west.
• 2022: Zhezkazgan regained the status of a regional centre, becoming the capital of the newly formed Ulytau Region.

The "Space Harbor" of the Steppe

A unique feature of Zhezkazgan is its inseparable connection with the history of space exploration. The city is often called the "space harbor," as descent capsules traditionally land in the surrounding steppes. In honour of this, the famous Cosmonauts' Alley was created on Seyfullin Boulevard. According to established tradition, crews returning from orbit plant trees here. These living monuments, including saplings from legendary conquerors of the universe, have turned the square into an open-air museum and a significant landmark of international importance.

Cultural Landmarks and Monuments

The cultural landscape of the city is shaped not only by industrial giants but also by important public facilities. A centre of attraction for art connoisseurs is the S. Kozhamkulov Music and Drama Theatre, the repertoire of which reflects the rich traditions of the region. The urban environment is adorned with thematic monuments, such as the "Cosmos" stele featuring a model of a MiG-17 aircraft, symbolizing the region's contribution to aviation and support for space programmes, as well as the Monument to the First Builders, immortalizing the labour of the people who built the city in the steppe.

New Status as the Capital of Ulytau

The return of the status of regional centre to the city in 2022 became a powerful impulse for modern urban transformation. The new administrative rank of the Ulytau Region has attracted investment for a large-scale infrastructure upgrade. Today, the city is undergoing a phase of renovation: central squares are being reconstructed, and modern pedestrian zones and comfortable public spaces are being created, turning the industrial centre into a cosy and modern regional capital.

Urban Planning Concept and Layout

The architectural appearance of the city of Zhezkazgan is a visual guide to the history of Soviet urban planning in the second half of the 20th century. The city was built in the open steppe according to a unified master plan developed by Leningrad architects. The main feature of the layout is the wide avenues and boulevards, oriented according to the wind rose. This solution allows steppe winds to freely blow through the streets, clearing the air of industrial dust and smog, which is critically important for the industrial centre for which Kazakhstan is famous.

Architectural Eras and Styles

The city's development is clearly divided into temporal stages, each of which has left its mark on the visual code of the streets:

• Mid-20th Century (1950s): Soviet Neoclassicism.

  The oldest part of the city, established during the period when it gained city status. Low-rise residential buildings (2–3 floors) with elements of simplified Stalinist Empire style predominate here: stucco molding, cornices, and arched windows. These quarters are distinguished by their intimacy, abundance of greenery, and cosy courtyards, creating a "garden city" atmosphere.

• Second Half of the 20th Century (1960–1980s): Soviet Modernism and Functionalism.

  A period of rapid growth and industrialization. Decor was replaced by strict geometric forms, concrete, and glass. During this time, the main residential areas of standard panel houses were formed, but significant public buildings also appeared with monumental mosaics and bas-reliefs reflecting themes of labour and space.

• Modern Period (from the 1990s): Postmodernism and Religious Architecture.

  The era of independence brought a national flair to the city's appearance. The dominant features became religious structures that combine modern construction technologies with traditional elements of Eastern architecture and Orthodox design.

Iconic Buildings and Objects

The city's appearance is shaped by several key architectural accents that have become its calling cards:

• S. Kozhamkulov Theatre: A striking example of late Soviet modernism. The building stands out with its concise form, decorated with elements of national ornament, giving it a unique character.
• The Mosque and St. Andrew's Church: These structures, built in recent times, have become new vertical and semantic landmarks, diversifying the horizontal skyline.
• Cosmonauts' Boulevard: Not just a street, but an architectural and landscape ensemble combining monumental art and a park zone, symbolizing the city's connection with space programmes.

Distinguished Personalities

The history of the region is inextricably linked with the names of scientists, artists, and pioneers whose contributions defined the city's destiny. Here is a list of key figures who left a mark on the region's chronicles:

• Kanysh Satpayev — An outstanding scientist-geologist, academician, and the first president of the Academy of Sciences of the Kazakh SSR. It was he who scientifically substantiated the richness of the local subsoil and insisted on the construction of the large copper smelting combine around which Zhezkazgan grew.
• Oleg Yankovsky — A legendary theatre and film actor, director, and People's Artist of the USSR. He was born in Zhezkazgan in 1944, when the future city was still a workers' settlement near the mines; his early childhood years were spent here.
• Nikolay Ushakov — A Russian merchant and industrialist of the 19th century. He is the historical discoverer of the area's industrial potential: in 1847, he was the first to officially register a copper deposit here.
• Seraly (Serke) Kozhamkulov — An actor and one of the founders of national professional theatrical art. The Zhezkazgan Music and Drama Theatre is named in honour of this great countryman.
• Toktar Aubakirov — The first cosmonaut given to the world by Kazakhstan, a test pilot, and Hero of the Soviet Union. He is an honorary citizen of the city, symbolizing the region's status as a "space harbor" where crews traditionally land.