5 Architectural Wonders of Kazakhstan

Yurt (traditional Kazakh portable tent house)

Architecture is a rich repository of information about the cultures of the peoples. Learning about the construction and interior of the “yurt” is the best way to tell us more about the life of the Kazakh nomads. The Yurt was first built in the 12th century BC, as a nomadic house with a spherical dome, the so-called Kazakh yurt and exists to this day. Like many years ago, yurts today are an integral part of the lives of modern descendants of the nomads of Kazakhstan, Mongolia and Kyrgyzstan. The key secret lies in convenience, simplicity and practicality: it is easy to transport, quick to assemble, and the felt cover protects people from rain, wind and cold. Yurt is considered an icon, a masterpiece of nomadic architecture.

Khan Shatyr

Along with towering skyscrapers and modern structures representing the future, Khan Shatyr is the architectural highlight of Nursultan. Translated from Kazakh, the name of the building stands for "Khan of tents". And true to its name, this building has been recorded in the Guinness Book of Records as the tallest tent-like structure in the world. Khan Shatyr is one of the shopping and entertainment centers. largest in Central Asia. Forbes magazine included it in its list of the top ten 'eco' buildings in the world. It subtly embodies the concept of a piece of land having an eternal summer. The unusual 150-meter-tall tent is made from unique materials that create a warm atmosphere inside, no matter what the weather outside. Khan Shatyr is a masterpiece of modern architecture that stands out among the architectural diversity of the modern metropolis of Nursultan.

The Kazakhstan Hotel (The Kazakhstan Hotel)

During the second half of the 20th century, the development of the ancient capital Almaty was almost experimental. During that period, there were some great architectural works in the city from the ambitious modernist ideas of the Soviet government. One of them is a 25-storey skyscraper with a height of 102m - Hotel Kazakhstan, considered the tallest building in Almaty for the past 32 years. In fact, no buildings are allowed to be taller than 12 stories due to the high seismic activity in the area. Thanks to its innovative and groundbreaking construction method, the Kazakhstan Hotel remains the best earthquake-resistant building in Almaty to this day. The tower with its golden "crown" on the roof is truly an iconic work of Almaty.

Ascension Cathedral (Ascension Cathedral)

There is a world famous religious site located in Almaty, which was built using a unique technique with the whole structure being entirely made of wood and without the use of any nails. The Church of the Assumption is one of the eight tallest buildings in the world made of wood. The interior of the church is decorated with drawings, plastered moldings and wrought-iron ornaments that give this sanctuary a special splendor. This unique church opened its doors to parishioners in 1907. Unfortunately just three years later, a severe earthquake struck the city, destroying almost all the buildings around it. Thanks to special construction techniques, the church is among the few structures that have not been damaged. Today, it is a daily hangout for hundreds of Christians. And this cathedral itself is considered a unique historical site, not only in Kazakhstan but all over the world.

Kok Tobe TV Tower (Kok Tobe TV Tower)

Kok Tobe TV Tower is built to perform clear technical tasks. However, thanks to its elegant and unique architectural design and outstanding height, it has become a symbol of the ancient capital of Almaty. The latest and most innovative construction methods have been applied to create a structure with a unique technical function. You can imagine that to ensure the stability of the 372 meter tall tower on clay, a concrete foundation weighing 45 thousand tons had to be built! Despite the fact that the total weight of the tower is 50 thousand tons. Thanks to the pendulum damper system, the TV tower is impervious to any strong winds and has high seismic stability up to 10 points on the Richter scale. Kok Tobe TV Tower is the second tallest building in Kazakhstan and the 14th tallest TV tower in the world!