Almaty
Almaty is a city that in 1997 was officially deprived of the status of the capital of Kazakhstan, but received the title of "southern capital" among the people. Despite its position, Almaty continues to be one of the most developing cities in Kazakhstan, where tourists from all over the world come every year.
The history of Almaty is eventful and has its roots deep in the centuries. The ancient city has a rich cultural and spiritual heritage. On its territory, there are attractions and monuments of architecture, built in the period from the sixth to the third century BC.
Archaeological finds indicate that originally the Scythian tribes lived on these lands, which combined three types of herding: nomadic, semi-nomadic, and sedentary. And in the 8-10 centuries on the site of the modern city several large villages were formed, one of which, according to the scientists, was called Almaty. Because the settlement had a convenient geographical location for the Great Silk Road, it received an active development and construction of the city of Almalyk - this is exactly what the area was called at that time.
A new milestone for Almaty began when Russians populated the city. Their main goal was the establishment of a military fortress in the area of the Malaya Almatinka River and the strengthening of the borders of the Russian Empire, as well as the extraction of mineral resources. Due to the influx of new residents, the population has increased dramatically. The city welcomed the settlers. Already in 1859, Almaty became the center of the Semirechensk region.
In 68 years, the city received a new position and was appointed the capital of the Kazakh ASSR. Until that time, the administrative center was the city Kyzylorda. From this moment, a new flourishing of Almaty began. Intensively built industrial plants and enterprises, educational institutions, expanded neighborhoods, the city has changed markedly, began to develop the sphere of science, culture and economy.
In 1936, being a part of the USSR, the newly renamed city of Almaty received the status of the capital of the Kazakh SSR. During the completion of the Soviet era, Almaty became the main city of the independent republic of Kazakhstan until 1997, when the capital was transferred to Astana.
For guests of the city Almaty can be open as from the historical side, despite the fact that there are not many ancient sights left there, as well as from the modern one. Tourists have the opportunity to pave the route through the city on their own, using booklets and tourist maps, or go on a tour with a guide.
The greatest interest for travelers represent: the Palace of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the State Museum, the Ascension Cathedral, the peak of Kok-Tobe, Mount Alatau, the sports complex "Medeo" and others.