ASTANA Capital of Kazakhstan

[olga]

I found this great photographer on Flickr and decided to put together a bunch of threads with pics from a fascinating part of the world - the former USSR republics in Central Asia.

Wikipedia:

Astana (Kazakh: Астана; former names include Akmola, Akmolinsk, Tselinograd, and Aqmola), is the capital and second largest city (behind Almaty) of Kazakhstan, with an officially estimated population (1 Dec. 2007) of 600,200 [2] . It is located in the north-central portion of Kazakhstan.

In 1994, the city was designated as the future capital of the newly-independent country, and again renamed to the present "Astana" after the capital was officially moved from Almaty in 1997. Despite the isolated location of the new capital in the centre of the Kazakh Steppe and the forbidding climate in winter, Kazakhstan simply needed a more central location than its former location of Almaty, which lies on the far southeastern border with Kyrgyzstan. Some speculate that it was a move to impose more control over the Russian-dominated north of the country. Other reasons include the belief that the new city project is a strategic move to position the capital further from the borders with China, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan, or that Almaty was limited in its development by mountains (which is objectively not the case), or that President Nursultan Nazarbayev created a "Potemkin village", either to present an image of a modern, clean Kazakhstan to entice foreign investment.

ARKIV 050923 -The Presidents Palace. In December 1997 the capital of Kazakhstan was moved from Almaty to Astana (meaning capital in Kazak, it was previously called Akmola, and Teslinograd). Construction ever since has been intense, giving the city a modern feel.
Astana, Kazakhstan - Kazakstan
Foto: Christopher Herwig - Kod 9266
COPYRIGHT PRESSENS BILD


ARKIV 050923 -
Brand new construction in the "new city" located south of the river Ishim and south of the old city. Built to hold the government and embassy offices as well as housing for the bureaucrats and diplomats. In December 1997 the capital of Kazakhstan was moved from Almaty to Astana (meaning capital in Kazak, it was previously called Akmola, and Teslinograd). Construction ever since has been intense, giving the city a modern feel.
Astana, Kazakhstan - Kazakstan
Foto: Christopher Herwig - Kod 9266
COPYRIGHT PRESSENS BILD


ARKIV 050923 - ARKIV 050923 - Inside the ball of the futuristic tower called Baiterek is an imprint of President Nazabaev's large hand which vistors come to place there own hand in and get photographed.
Astana, Kazakhstan - Kazakstan
Foto: Christopher Herwig - Kod 9266
COPYRIGHT PRESSENS BILD
Astana, Kazakhstan - Kazakstan
Foto: Christopher Herwig - Kod 9266
COPYRIGHT PRESSENS BILD


ARKIV 050923 -This tall white structure with a shinny ball on top is called "Baiterek" and contains a viewing area inside the ball. Here a white limo has stopped with a wedding party for pictures.
Astana, Kazakhstan - Kazakstan
Foto: Christopher Herwig - Kod 9266
COPYRIGHT PRESSENS BILD


ARKIV 050923 -This tall white structure with a shinny ball on top is called "Baiterek" and contains a viewing area inside the ball. Young girls walking down the pedestrian center of the New City.
Astana, Kazakhstan - Kazakstan
Foto: Christopher Herwig - Kod 9266
COPYRIGHT PRESSENS BILD


ARKIV 050923 - Inside the ball of the futuristic tower called Baiterek is an imprint of President Nazabaev's large hand which vistors come to place there own hand in and get photographed.
Astana, Kazakhstan - Kazakstan
Foto: Christopher Herwig - Kod 9266
COPYRIGHT PRESSENS BILD


ARKIV 050923 -The Presidents Palace. In December 1997 the capital of Kazakhstan was moved from Almaty to Astana (meaning capital in Kazak, it was previously called Akmola, and Teslinograd). Construction ever since has been intense, giving the city a modern feel.
Astana, Kazakhstan - Kazakstan
Foto: Christopher Herwig - Kod 9266
COPYRIGHT PRESSENS BILD


ARKIV 050923 -
Brand new construction in the "new city" located south of the river Ishim and south of the old city. Built to hold the government and embassy offices as well as housing for the bureaucrats and diplomats. In December 1997 the capital of Kazakhstan was moved from Almaty to Astana (meaning capital in Kazak, it was previously called Akmola, and Teslinograd). Construction ever since has been intense, giving the city a modern feel.
Astana, Kazakhstan - Kazakstan
Foto: Christopher Herwig - Kod 9266
COPYRIGHT PRESSENS BILD


ARKIV 050923 - In December 1997 the capital of Kazakhstan was moved from Almaty to Astana (meaning capital in Kazak, it was previously called Akmola, and Teslinograd). Construction ever since has been intense, giving the city a modern feel.
Astana, Kazakhstan - Kazakstan
Foto: Christopher Herwig - Kod 9266
COPYRIGHT PRESSENS BILD


ARKIV 050923 - Brand new construction in the "new city" located south of the river Ishim and south of the old city. Built to hold the government and embassy offices as well as housing for the bureaucrats and diplomats. In December 1997 the capital of Kazakhstan was moved from Almaty to Astana (meaning capital in Kazak, it was previously called Akmola, and Teslinograd). Construction ever since has been intense, giving the city a modern feel.
Astana, Kazakhstan - Kazakstan
Foto: Christopher Herwig - Kod 9266
COPYRIGHT PRESSENS BILD


ARKIV 050923 -Two workers in the new city sleeping on a bench. In December 1997 the capital of Kazakhstan was moved from Almaty to Astana (meaning capital in Kazak, it was previously called Akmola, and Teslinograd). Construction ever since has been intense, giving the city a modern feel.
Astana, Kazakhstan - Kazakstan
Foto: Christopher Herwig - Kod 9266
COPYRIGHT PRESSENS BILD


ARKIV 050923 -
Brand new construction in the "new city" located south of the river Ishim and south of the old city. Built to hold the government and embassy offices as well as housing for the bureaucrats and diplomats. In December 1997 the capital of Kazakhstan was moved from Almaty to Astana (meaning capital in Kazak, it was previously called Akmola, and Teslinograd). Construction ever since has been intense, giving the city a modern feel.
Astana, Kazakhstan - Kazakstan
Foto: Christopher Herwig - Kod 9266
COPYRIGHT PRESSENS BILD


ARKIV 050923 -The Presidents Palace. In December 1997 the capital of Kazakhstan was moved from Almaty to Astana (meaning capital in Kazak, it was previously called Akmola, and Teslinograd). Construction ever since has been intense, giving the city a modern feel.
Astana, Kazakhstan - Kazakstan
Foto: Christopher Herwig - Kod 9266
COPYRIGHT PRESSENS BILD


ARKIV 050923 - In December 1997 the capital of Kazakhstan was moved from Almaty to Astana (meaning capital in Kazak, it was previously called Akmola, and Teslinograd). Construction ever since has been intense, giving the city a modern feel.
Astana, Kazakhstan - Kazakstan
Foto: Christopher Herwig - Kod 9266
COPYRIGHT PRESSENS BILD


ARKIV 050923 -
Russian Orthodox church on Sunday.
Astana, Kazakhstan - Kazakstan
Foto: Christopher Herwig - Kod 9266
COPYRIGHT PRESSENS BILD


ARKIV 050923 -
Brand new construction in the "new city" located south of the river Ishim and south of the old city. Built to hold the government and embassy offices as well as housing for the bureaucrats and diplomats. In December 1997 the capital of Kazakhstan was moved from Almaty to Astana (meaning capital in Kazak, it was previously called Akmola, and Teslinograd). Construction ever since has been intense, giving the city a modern feel.
Astana, Kazakhstan - Kazakstan
Foto: Christopher Herwig - Kod 9266
COPYRIGHT PRESSENS BILD


ARKIV 050923 -
Brand new construction in the "new city" located south of the river Ishim and south of the old city. Built to hold the government and embassy offices as well as housing for the bureaucrats and diplomats. In December 1997 the capital of Kazakhstan was moved from Almaty to Astana (meaning capital in Kazak, it was previously called Akmola, and Teslinograd). Construction ever since has been intense, giving the city a modern feel.
Astana, Kazakhstan - Kazakstan
Foto: Christopher Herwig - Kod 9266
COPYRIGHT PRESSENS BILD


ARKIV 050923 -Model of how Astana will look like when the constuction is done. In December 1997 the capital of Kazakhstan was moved from Almaty to Astana (meaning capital in Kazak, it was previously called Akmola, and Teslinograd). Construction ever since has been intense, giving the city a modern feel.
Astana, Kazakhstan - Kazakstan
Foto: Christopher Herwig - Kod 9266
COPYRIGHT PRESSENS BILD


ARKIV 050923 - New contrustions along the North bank of the Ishim river. In December 1997 the capital of Kazakhstan was moved from Almaty to Astana (meaning capital in Kazak, it was previously called Akmola, and Teslinograd). Construction ever since has been intense, giving the city a modern feel.
Astana, Kazakhstan - Kazakstan
Foto: Christopher Herwig - Kod 9266
COPYRIGHT PRESSENS BILD


ARKIV 050923 -
Brand new construction in the "new city" located south of the river Ishim and south of the old city. Built to hold the government and embassy offices as well as housing for the bureaucrats and diplomats. In December 1997 the capital of Kazakhstan was moved from Almaty to Astana (meaning capital in Kazak, it was previously called Akmola, and Teslinograd). Construction ever since has been intense, giving the city a modern feel.
Astana, Kazakhstan - Kazakstan
Foto: Christopher Herwig - Kod 9266
COPYRIGHT PRESSENS BILD


ARKIV 050923 -
Brand new construction in the "new city" located south of the river Ishim and south of the old city. Built to hold the government and embassy offices as well as housing for the bureaucrats and diplomats. In December 1997 the capital of Kazakhstan was moved from Almaty to Astana (meaning capital in Kazak, it was previously called Akmola, and Teslinograd). Construction ever since has been intense, giving the city a modern feel.
Astana, Kazakhstan - Kazakstan
Foto: Christopher Herwig - Kod 9266
COPYRIGHT PRESSENS BILD


ARKIV 050923 -New circus looking like a flying saucer - under construction. In December 1997 the capital of Kazakhstan was moved from Almaty to Astana (meaning capital in Kazak, it was previously called Akmola, and Teslinograd). Construction ever since has been intense, giving the city a modern feel.
Astana, Kazakhstan - Kazakstan
Foto: Christopher Herwig - Kod 9266
COPYRIGHT PRESSENS BILD


ARKIV 050923 -
Brand new construction in the "new city" located south of the river Ishim and south of the old city. Built to hold the government and embassy offices as well as housing for the bureaucrats and diplomats. In December 1997 the capital of Kazakhstan was moved from Almaty to Astana (meaning capital in Kazak, it was previously called Akmola, and Teslinograd). Construction ever since has been intense, giving the city a modern feel.
Astana, Kazakhstan - Kazakstan
Foto: Christopher Herwig - Kod 9266
COPYRIGHT PRESSENS BILD


ARKIV 050923 - Wedding party taking pictures.
Brand new construction in the "new city" located south of the river Ishim and south of the old city. Built to hold the government and embassy offices as well as housing for the bureaucrats and diplomats. In December 1997 the capital of Kazakhstan was moved from Almaty to Astana (meaning capital in Kazak, it was previously called Akmola, and Teslinograd). Construction ever since has been intense, giving the city a modern feel.
Astana, Kazakhstan - Kazakstan
Foto: Christopher Herwig - Kod 9266
COPYRIGHT PRESSENS BILD


ARKIV 050923 -New circus looking like a flying saucer - under construction. In December 1997 the capital of Kazakhstan was moved from Almaty to Astana (meaning capital in Kazak, it was previously called Akmola, and Teslinograd). Construction ever since has been intense, giving the city a modern feel.
Astana, Kazakhstan - Kazakstan
Foto: Christopher Herwig - Kod 9266
COPYRIGHT PRESSENS BILD


ARKIV 050923 -New circus looking like a flying saucer - under construction. In December 1997 the capital of Kazakhstan was moved from Almaty to Astana (meaning capital in Kazak, it was previously called Akmola, and Teslinograd). Construction ever since has been intense, giving the city a modern feel.
Astana, Kazakhstan - Kazakstan
Foto: Christopher Herwig - Kod 9266
COPYRIGHT PRESSENS BILD


ARKIV 050923 -Model of how Astana will look like when the constuction is done. In December 1997 the capital of Kazakhstan was moved from Almaty to Astana (meaning capital in Kazak, it was previously called Akmola, and Teslinograd). Construction ever since has been intense, giving the city a modern feel.
Astana, Kazakhstan - Kazakstan
Foto: Christopher Herwig - Kod 9266
COPYRIGHT PRESSENS BILD


ARKIV 050923 -
Brand new construction in the "new city" located south of the river Ishim and south of the old city. Built to hold the government and embassy offices as well as housing for the bureaucrats and diplomats. In December 1997 the capital of Kazakhstan was moved from Almaty to Astana (meaning capital in Kazak, it was previously called Akmola, and Teslinograd). Construction ever since has been intense, giving the city a modern feel.
Astana, Kazakhstan - Kazakstan
Foto: Christopher Herwig - Kod 9266
COPYRIGHT PRESSENS BILD


ARKIV 050923 -Model of how Astana will look like when the constuction is done. In December 1997 the capital of Kazakhstan was moved from Almaty to Astana (meaning capital in Kazak, it was previously called Akmola, and Teslinograd). Construction ever since has been intense, giving the city a modern feel.
Astana, Kazakhstan - Kazakstan
Foto: Christopher Herwig - Kod 9266
COPYRIGHT PRESSENS BILD


ARKIV 060111- President Nazabaev being sworn in as President, shown on vitually every television station in the country.
Astans, KAZAKSTAN,KAZAKHSTAN
Foto: Christopher Herwig - Kod 9266
COPYRIGHT PRESSENS BILD



a quickr pickr post

[ColDayMan]

Talk about a world away!

[zaphod]

to me central asia has always seemed like the most remote unknown place in the world, I never think of any cities being out there.

[Okstate]

I love the model, i wish U.S. cities could display renewal projects like this on a huge scale.

[M.K.]

Oh... very interesting Olga. They have good architects as well, nice place... it would be in some years for them also... I liked the Lotus Tower with sphere atop, but the flying dish is also pretty good, although the idea is already used abroad... The model is amazing... All cities would must make to show the population what they will do with us...

[staff]

Astana has some seriously mad projects in the pipeline. This city is amazing and will be completely stunning soon. Cant wait to go there.

[R@ptor]

Astana is really a unique city. A mix of futuristic buildings, pure kitsch and typical dictatorship architecture.

It will be interesting to see how this city will look in a few decades. The model is waaay outdated BTW.

[Grumpy]

Lovely presentation ,thanks

[anm]

Nothern Shine under construction

photos by Supernova17
http://www.flickr.com/photos/supernova17/







Major Deegan High-Rise Kazakhstan

09/2007




(08/2007 by Supernova)





Photos: [Iceboy]

mansur





emin98

[anm]

Khan Shatyry 150m. under construction

start: end 206
completed: end 2007

Official Site: www.khanshatyry.com

Architect: Foster & Partners
www.fosterandpartners.com

info from Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khan_Shatyry

Khan Shatyry (Royal Marquee) is a giant transparent tent currently under construction in Astana, capital city of Kazakhstan. The architectural project was unveiled by the President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev on 9 December 2006.

The 150m-high (500ft) tent has a 200m elliptical base covering 100,000 square meters.[1] Underneath the tent, an area larger than 10 football stadiums, will be an urban-scale internal park, shopping and entertainment venue with squares and cobbled streets, a boating river, shopping centre, minigolf and indoor beach resort. It is being made from ETFE suspended on a network of cables strung from a central spire. The transparent material allows sunlight through which, in conjunction with air heating and cooling systems maintain an internal temperature between 15-30°C in the main space and 19-24°C in the retail units, while outside the temperature varies between -35 to +35°C across the year.

This will be the second project designed by UK architect Norman Foster (of Foster and Partners, collaborating architects are Linea, Gultekin and UMO[1]), who has recently built a giant glass pyramid in Astana. The construction of the tent-city, expected to take a year(probably a bit more), will be carried out by the Turkish company Sembol.












mansur