Almaty is one of the most beautiful and rapidly developing cities in Central Asia. It combines modernity with deep historical roots, natural beauty with rich cultural heritage. Although it is no longer the capital of Kazakhstan, the city remains a major scientific, financial, and cultural hub of the country. You might not know that Almaty holds many remarkable records and unique features that can surprise even experienced travelers. This article presents fascinating and little-known facts about Almaty that will show the city from a fresh perspective.
- Almaty was the capital of Kazakhstan until 1997. Even after the administrative center was moved to Astana, the city retained its status as the cultural and financial heart of the country. It is home to major banks, media companies, and international offices.
- The name Almaty comes from the Kazakh word alma, which means apple. The city is considered the historical birthplace of the cultivated apple, especially the famous aport variety. The apple remains a symbol of Almaty to this day.
- Almaty is located at the foot of the Zailiyskiy Alatau, a part of the Tian Shan mountain range. Thanks to its geographical location, the city offers scenic mountain views and easy access to ski resorts. On clear days, the mountains can be seen from almost any part of the city.
- One of the tallest television towers in the world is located in Almaty. The Almaty TV tower stands over 370 meters tall and is built on Kok-Tobe hill. It is designed to withstand strong seismic activity, as the city is in an earthquake-prone area.
- Kok-Tobe also features a popular observation deck, a mini-zoo, and a monument to The Beatles. It is one of the few places in the world where statues of all four members of the band are displayed together. The monument has become a favorite spot for photographs.
- The Green Bazaar in the city center has operated since the Soviet era. It offers traditional Kazakh food, spices, dried fruits, meat, and handmade crafts. The bazaar is an important part of everyday life and local culture.
- Panfilov Park, named after 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, is not only a memorial site but also a peaceful green area in central Almaty. It is home to the Ascension Cathedral, one of the largest wooden churches in the world. The cathedral was built without nails and survived the 1911 earthquake.
- In the 1970s and 1980s, Almaty became the scientific center of Soviet Kazakhstan. It hosted dozens of research institutes, universities, and academic organizations. Many of them are still active today and contribute to the city’s intellectual reputation.
- Almaty has a modern metro system, one of the newest in Central Asia. The first line opened in 2011, and expansion continues. Metro stations are decorated in national style and known for their cleanliness and safety.
- The city has the highest number of cafes and restaurants per capita in Kazakhstan. Cuisines from around the world — from Japanese to Italian — are represented here, along with many traditional Kazakh eateries. Almaty is developing as a center for culinary tourism.
- Each year, Almaty hosts the Eurasia International Film Festival, attracting directors and actors from many countries. It is one of the most prestigious film events in the region. The festival aims to promote Kazakh cinema on the global stage.
- The Central State Museum of Kazakhstan, located in Almaty, houses over 300,000 exhibits. Visitors can see artifacts from the Saka and Turkic periods, medieval relics, and items from the nomadic culture. It is one of the largest museums in Central Asia.
- Near Almaty is Medeu, a high-altitude ice rink located at 1691 meters above sea level. It is one of the highest ice rinks in the world and has a unique microclimate. More than 200 world records in speed skating have been set here.
- The Shymbulak ski resort is located in the nearby mountains. It attracts both professional athletes and tourists due to its excellent snow conditions and high-quality services. A modern cable car connects the resort to the city.
- Almaty was the first city in Kazakhstan to introduce electric scooters and bicycle sharing as part of its smart infrastructure. The city actively promotes environmentally friendly transport and cycling culture. This is part of its broader sustainable urban development strategy.
These incredible and interesting facts about Almaty show that the city is much more than just a former capital. It is a vibrant cultural, tourist, and innovation center of Kazakhstan. Almaty blends tradition and modernity, nature and urban life, spirituality and energy. The more we learn about this city, the more we appreciate its uniqueness.
