Almaty Introduction

City Introduction

(Image source：Tourism Department of Almaty)

Almaty is the financial, technology, education, and culture center of Kazakhstan, and quite possibly, the whole of central Asia. It is the largest city in Central Asia and the third big city in CIS. In the early years, this area was known as “Apple City” because of the fact that it was overflowing with apples. It is located in the southeast of Kazakhstan, west of China, and is a unique scenery tour city that also happens to be the largest trade center in Central Asia. The city’s influence and competitiveness play a decisive role in the world, Almaty and St Petersburg was tied for the 100th place worldwide. Almaty is the Eurasian cultural meeting place which mixes the Kazakh people’s wisdom and western civilization together perfectly. Almaty is called the top global green city with an area of 10.51 square kilometers. Currently, there are around 1,600,000 inhabitants. Almaty is like a dreamland, which is the perfect combination of natural beauty and modern metropolis. Two sides of the city face Tian Shan Mountains making it a garden city with pleasant climate and a beautiful environment. Almaty is a completely European city.  Almaty is a city with rich history. In 1991, a high-profile speech on the collapse of the Soviet Union was delivered and subsequently announced a new era.

History and Culture

In 1854, a team starting from Omsk Russia Siberian Cossack forces in the Tian Shan Mountains at the root of the Mountain area established a castle, names Zailiyske, and later renamed Verny one year later. In 1867 it became the administrative center of Turkestan Viceroyalty. In 1911, Almaty was hit with a devastating, major earthquake; the only building left in the earthquake was an Eastern Orthodox Church.

In 1918, the Soviet Regime was established. In 1920s, after the Turkestan-Siberia railway was completed, Almaty became a major transportation hub.

In 1921, the name of Almaty was changed to Alma-Ata. Because it is well-known that its suburbs were abound with apples. In 1929, it became the capital of the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic.

In 1930 it developed very quickly with the opening of Turkestan-Siberia railway. Kazakhstan’s major industries consisted of food and light industry and accounted for a large proportion of the GDP. Main products were flour, meat, textile, fur, and footwear.

In 1932, the new state was created. On December 16th, 1986, the city experienced a student movement in Alma-Ata, known as the Alma-Ata incident in December (Jay Le Tok San).

In December 1991, after dissolution of the Soviet Union, it became the capital of the Independent Republic of Kazakhstan. Due to Alma-Ata being located in the border area, urban expansion was very limited. In 1994, Kazakhstan decided to move the capital to North Central Astana, to be completed before 2000.

In September 1995, President Nursultan Nazarbayev proceeded to move the capital. After moving the capital, the role Alma-Ata did not change and stayed as a national scientific, cultural and economic center. It will still receive most of the visiting foreign leaders for quite a long time in the future. Most of the domestic important events are still held in Alma-Ata. On December 10th, 1997, President Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan declared solemnly in Astana, Astana has officially become the “permanent capital” of Kazakhstan. From then on, Astana replaced Alma-Ata and became the new administrative center.

The rivers flowing from the Alai Mountain provide irrigation and help to keep the land fertile in Alma-Ata. In addition to grain production, most places have been set up as the orchards. There are many orchards on the southern outskirts of the city, all over the mountains and plains with most of them being apple orchards. Therefore, Alma-Ata has the reputation of “Apple Town.” There is Nature Reserve near Alma-Ata, with an area of about 80,000 hectares.

Natural Environment

Alma-Ata is a tourist city with unique scenery. It is located in Southeastern Kazakhstan, north of the Tian Shan Mountains, outside the Alai Mountain Chain at the foot of the hills, which three sides are around mountains. The city proper has an area of 190 square kilometers with altitude of 700-900 meters.

Climate Changes

Alma-Ata is landlocked so the climate is classified as temperate continental climate and mountain climate, high temperature and little rain in summer, cold and dry in winter.

Holiday Arrangements

New Year: 1st -2rd January

International Women’s Day: 8th March

Na U Ruth Festival (Spring Festival): 22rd March

National Unity Day: 1st May

Victory Day: 9th May

Constitution Day: 30th August

Republic Day: 25th October

Independence Day: 16th-17th December