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KAZAKHSTAN
Vacations and Sightseeing

Basic information
Official languageKazakh, Russian
CapitalAstana
Area2.724.900 kmĀ²
Population19,152,655  (2021)
Currencytenge  (KZT)
Web.kz
Code.KAZ
Tel.+7

Vacations and Sightseeing

One of the top monuments of Kazakhstan is dedicated to Ahmed Yasavi. It is an architectural complex made of palaces and temples that attracts masses of tourists every year. This place is worshipped by the Muslim community of Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries. In ancient times, a visit to this place was equivalent to pilgrimage to Mecca. There are many historical buildings, including the grave of Robia Sultan Begim, Timur's granddaughter. There are also many tombs of the Kazakh Khans and representatives of the nobility. UNESCO has included Turkestan (or rather Ahmed Yasavi Mausoleum) in the World Heritage list.

Astana acquired the status of the capital of Kazakhstan in 1997. The Baiterek Tower has become a symbol of the city and its trademark. The height of the structure is 105 metres. At the height of 97 metres there is an observation deck that offers a magnificent view of the city. The figure of 97 was not chosen at random. It symbolises the year of moving the capital from Almaty to Astana. The Baiterek Tower has an art gallery, a large aquarium and a restaurant. The city has an opera and ballet theatre, a drama theatre and a variety of museums.

For space enthusiasts, Kazakhstan has another top attraction. The Baikonur Cosmodrome (still leased to the Russians) is the world's oldest facility for launching space vehicles (Yuri Gagarin was launched from here) and is the backdrop for, among other things, Star Trek. You can take a guided tour and feast your eyes on the space museum. You can see the facilities where rockets are prepared for launch and the rockets themselves.


Sources

Elmar Landeninformatie

CIA - World Factbook

BBC - Country Profiles

Last updated February 2024
Copyright: Team The World of Info