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About Astana
ASTANA: 10 YEARS OF PROSPERITY
“The idea of creating a new capital emerged on the first days of independence. The change of a capital city has special historical significance in the life of any state. I remember when King Juan Carlos of Spain arrived in Astana for the first time, he told me how King Philippe II moved his capital from Toledo to Madrid. This too was not achieved without controversy. Another example of a new capital is Washington, created in a deserted district on the instruction of Georges Washington, the first president of the USA. For the United States, this capital had a huge political value as a symbol of its liberation from the British Crown. Finland transferred its capital from Turku to Helsinki at the beginning of the 19th century. Norway did the same - from Trondheim to Oslo- and India -from Calcutta to Delhi.
In Russia change of capital both time had historical value. Our other neighbour China for the history transferred capital six times. In 1923 Turkey transferred capital from Istanbul to Ankara. And in Brazil in 1960 the new capital was incorporated to Brazil , where I recently have been with official visit. The beginning of dynamical development of Brazil approximately began these years.
The first, that Germans after association of Germany made, they transferred capital to Berlin that symbolized continuity of the German state.
Radical interests of our young independent state also have demanded carry of capital. And in July, 1994 at session of the Supreme body of 13-th convocation I have brought such offer.
I remember hot discussions in Parliament when one deputies suggested to support unconditionally my idea, and others rose in deaf defense, declaring that it is not time to spend our poor at that time means.
On this I then answered: «Irrevocable charges on carry of capital will be only expenses for moving. And everything, what will be enclosed in city - these are investments into the future».
The bare ground - it is not wealth of the country yet. As well as that is not extracted yet from bowels. Only that is constructed on the ground, is an active of the country. So we have enriched the Native land on the whole huge city. And its future is still ahead.
We have received new capital which today is property of all country. Today, later only 10 years from the moment of carry of capital, the population of city has increased three times. In 2010 the increase in population up to 1 million people is expected. This objective parameter better confirms success of our most young capital in the world.
Through Astana we have opened new Kazakhstan to the global world. But, first of all, in a new fashion we have opened this city for ourselves, for the Fatherland.
Construction of Astana became for these years the most grandiose mega project on all post Soviet space, shown potential of our country. Today Astana is the center of a modern history of Kazakhstan. On the example of Astana it is possible to judge development of all our state.
For 10 years the total regional product of city has grown in 17 times! The volume of investments into a fixed capital has increased more than in 20 times and has reached 400 billion tenge.
These are very powerful parameters. The capital grows and moves forward, carrying away for itself all Kazakhstan. The population of Astana - one of the youngest in Kazakhstan. Middle age of Astana citizen is 32. The youth from all country comes here - both to study and to work. Young experts receive worthy and well paid work, in fact a standard of living in capital one of the highest on the country.
Why have at once started to build musical-educational establishment and the Eurasian university? Because it shows that we are for a long time proved in this city and we think of its future. For last 10 years the shape of city has exchanged more, than for all history from the date of the basis.
Especially people admire the new city centre on left bank of the Esil, which town-planning idea has been developed by the world famous architect to Kise Kurokava and other architects. Its major principle - there should not be same buildings similar against each other.
Other principle that Astana is Eurasian city which differs not mechanical addition, and harmony, merge of cultures of all parties of light - the West and the East, the North and the South. It was difficult work but real.
Astana grows and changes, surprising and adoring by everyone who even once will see it.
There are new grandiose projects on turn, such as Khan-shatyry, complexes «Astana-Covered city» and «Abu-Dhabi Plaza». The film-concert hall on 3500 seats will be soon entered in build. I hope, that we there shall celebrate in the summer the 10 anniversary of capital.
Considering our weather conditions, we build covered stadium on 30 thousand seats which too will be entered on July, 6th. The scientific research institute of the first help, republican centres of science cardiology and neurosurgery, the diagnostic center and the bicycle track on 10 thousand seats are under construction. All this will be entered in build in the following year.
In capital the centre of science-educational at a level of the world standards is under construction, powerful medical cluster, construction of Industrial park will be organized which includes also the organization of modern hi-tech manufacture.
Astana today differs not only architecture, but also changes in city-garden. Fifty thousand hectares of wood around of Astana are not a limit. We plan to connect the Bohrovoe zone to Astana wood. Remains only 50 kilometers. This green belt protects city from years dry winds and winter burans (storms). Owing to it the climate in our city, but most of all has changed, I think, it has changed owing to our feelings. Astana becomes a green oasis in the center of huge steppe edge, the sample of ecologically pure mega city.
Mission of Astana consists in becoming exemplary capital on all Eurasian space, to be the catalyst of steady development of Kazakhstan.
Construction of capital is business of all people, all state.
I am convinced, that Astana will be included very soon into number of the most attractive and competitive capitals of the world.
New light and noble capital became for our Fatherland realization of new future of our favourite Kazakhstan.
Here on the ancient ground Sary Arka the capital was born not for nothing and became a cradle of the future of the country. The history of Astana and destiny of Kazakhstani people are inseparable from each other. If in our history there was no Astana, our Kazakhstan would not become such what it is today.
Independence has generated Astana, in turn Astana confirms and develops our Independence. Astana became bright, strong, prospering, city going forward and uniting all Kazakh people.
Astana became heart of our Native land, the national idea which has united people, it became a creed of people in the forces and great applicability.
Today representatives more than hundred nationalities live in Astana, as well as in all Kazakhstan. It is city, in which every day house warming, every day a holiday, weddings. Tens thousand the new settlers, new families and new fates.
Friendship of people, mutual understanding and solidarity is the basis on which we build Astana and new Kazakhstan!”
Nursultan Nazarbayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan
BASIC FACTS AND FIGURES
Situated in the northern central part of Kazakhstan, in the valley of Esil River
Climate: sharply-continental, moderately hot summer and long hard winter
Geographical coordinates: latitude - 51 degrees 10 minutes North, longitude - 71 degrees 30 minutes East
Local time: GMT +06.00
The city area: 710. 2 sq. km
Population: 700 000 people
Mean age: 32 years
Unemployment rate: 6.8% (as of March, 2008)
Gross Regional Product (GRP) per capita: 13 420 USD (2006)
Average Monthly Nominal Salary: 700 USD (as of April, 2008)
Number of Small Enterprises: 17 606 (as of June, 2008)
On 6 July 1994, the Supreme Council of the Republic of Kazakhstan adopted the regulation “On moving the capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan”.
On 9 October 1996, President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev issued the decree on the establishment of the Akmola Special Economic Zone, within the administrative boundaries of the town of Akmola.
On 5 April 1997, in accordance with a presidential decree, the strategic objectives for Akmola were included into the list of national economic priorities to attract direct investments.
On 20 October 1997, President Nursultan Nazarbayev issued the decree declaring Akmola the capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
On 10 December 1997, Akmola was declared the national capital.
On 6 May 1998, President Nursultan Nazarbayev issued the decree changing the name of the capital from Akmola to Astana.
On 9-10 June 1998, an international presentation was held on the new capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan - Astana.
In 1999, UNESCO awarded Astana with a medal and the title - City of Peace.
Since the year 2000, Astana has been a member of the International Assembly of Capitals and Metropolises, an authoritative organization dedicated to building social and business partnerships. Its members include Moscow, Minsk, Bishkek and other large cities of EurAsEC.
EMBLEM & FLAG OF ASTANA
In the centre of the composition is a depiction of the Baiterek Tower, a monumental structure representing the ‘tree of life’ with a large ‘egg’ nestling in its branches. The monument is situated in the centre of Astana and it has come to represent the thrusting ambitions of the capital and the country itself.
Inside the rendering of the egg, is the ‘shanirak’ - a cruciform motif that represents the top of a yurt (the traditional tent-like dwelling of nomadic Kazakhs). The fusion of these two motifs symbolizes the future and the past – and indicates the future direction of modern Kazakhstan, a 21st century power built on a rich and ancient heritage and culture.
At the base of the Baiterek motif, there is a decoration symbolizing ‘birds wings’ which refers to the mythical sacred bird Samruk, which is associated with freedom and happiness (in Kazakh mythology, the Samruk lays its golden egg in the Baiterek or poplar tree and when the Samruk flies away, a snake eats the egg… The bird returns a year later, lays another, and the snake eats it and so on... ). Like the legend of the phoenix, the tale of the Samruk is a regeneration myth that suits Kazakhstan well.
Surrounding the Baiterek/shanirak and Samruk, the ‘blue sky’ background reflects the peace loving nature of Kazakhstan and the red ring that encircles all the elements refers to the ‘ring of fire’ – in which the ancient Turkic people saw birth, growth and development (the Turkics are a collection of Eurasian peoples residing in northern, central and western Eurasia who speak languages belonging to the Turkic language family).
The flag of Astana has golden rays emanating from an unseen centre point in the blue sky background behind the centre area of the flag which is identical to the coat of arms (as above described).
FROM THE ANCIENT HISTORY OF ASTANA: BOZOK TOWN
Central part of Kazakhstan have always been a territory of inter-ethnic communication of various nations and cultures. In the middle of the first millenium BC it is through these steppes that the so called route through the Great Steppe ran, the very one mentioned by the great ancient Greek historian Herodotus. Subsequently it turned into the well known Great Silk Road. Numerous caravan routes gave birth to cities with prosperous trade and handicrafts while the population - apart from traditional cattle breeding - was engaged in farming. Obviously these were perspective seats of civilization, substantial commercial and economic centers in the Great Steppe.
Bozok is a predecessor of Astana. It is an ancient settlement discovered in 1999 by an archeological expedition headed by Kemal Akishev is now considered to be fore image of the modern capital of Kazakhstan. As the scientists ascertained, Bozok gained the peak of its prosperity in the 10-13th centuries A.D.
Bozok, which is believed to have been almost completely constructed of baked brick, was a permanent headquarters of the Kypchak khans. Nowadays it is known that the ancient settlement consisted of three parts, the central one containing cult Muslim constructions (mosques and mausoleums), and two side parts (dwelling houses, buildings of craftsmen, etc.).
Each part of the ancient city was surrounded by ditches and earthen walls. In the environments of Bozok archaeologists found remains of ancient reclamation dams. The city was a big cultural and trade center of the Great Steppe, and its existence refutes common opinion that the Kypchaks were exclusively nomads and occupied themselves only with cattle-breeding.
AKMOLA CITY
On July 16, 1863 Akmola was officially announced as a district city. On October 21, 1868 in keeping with the “Provisional Regulation on Administration in Steppe Regions of Orenburg and in the West-Siberian General-Governorship” they set up an Akmolinsk region with its centre in the city of Omsk. In those days Omsk was the centre of the West-Siberian General Governorship. It may well be conjectured that the name of the Akmola region owns its name to the fact that they might have entertained an idea of transferring its centre to Akmola.
This assumption maybe substantiated by the circumstance that in 1879 Major - General Dubelt submitted to the Ministry of Communications of Russia a project of constructing a railway to connect Tyumen with Akmolinsk. In the course of the first 30 years of its existence the population of Akmola numbered a trifle more than 2,000 people.
However, over the next 30 years, i.e. from the 1860s to the 1890s the city's population became thrice as large as was mentioned in the collection “Volosts and settlements of the Akmolinsk region” issued in 1893 in St.Petersburg. Akmolinsk was an uyezd (district) city with a 6,428 - strong population which could boast of 3 churches, 5 schools and colleges and 3 factories. Such was the first stage in the brightest days of the development of the city.
The second stage whose impact was paramount for the destiny of the city was the development of virgin lands.
In December 1960 the city numbering a mere 100,000 people turned into the centre of the Tselinny territory which embraced all northern regions of Kazakhstan. Shortly after, in 1961 Akmolinsk changed its name for Tselinograd. With time, in 1971, the Tselinny territory was abolished with the city of Tselinograd turning into the centre of the region. In 1992 the city was returned its former name - Akmola. There exist several versions of the origin of the city's name - Akmola. As the first one has it, the area of Akmola was given its name after that of a white-coloured lime-stone hill.
As Prokopius, a Byzantine writer maintains Huns called "mola" a high barrow, a fortress. According to yet another version, to the locality of Akmola that turned into a centre of holding trade fairs they would bring and trade plenty of cattle which was known for abundance and amazing variety of milk products (koumyss, shubat, etc.). Hence the name of the locality (literally "ak mol" - white abundance). Akmola as a "white sacred place": this is actually the translation version which has become the ultimate choice of the members of the Republican onomastic committee upon meticulous study of all available historical sources.
Akmola region is by right one of the Republic's granaries, a big centre of agricultural machine-building. In fact it produces one fifth of all the grain, one tenth of cattle-breeding products with one fourth of grain being sold to the state. Just as well-developed is meat-and-milk cattle-breeding, pig-breeding, sheep-breeding, horse-breeding and poultry farming. The region's entrails harbour deposits of gold, uranium, bauxites, antimony, copper, lignites, caoline ores, quartz sands and other commercial minerals. Traditionally, development of industries in the region was associated with agriculture, with processing of agricultural raws. The region is fairly active in conducting foreign economic activities, it maintains mutually-advantageous relations with the states of both the near and the far abroad. Exported to CIS countries is primarily grain, meat, flour and milk products.
FROM ALMATY TO ASTANA
Astana (former Akmola) was announced as the capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan on December 10, 1997 by the Decree of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan of October 20, 1997 on approval by the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
As to the transfer of the capital from Almaty to Akmola it is prompted by economic, ecological and geographic expediency. First, Almaty is but too far from the actual geographic centre of the Republic. Besides the population of the city is nearing the 1,500,000 mark with no further prospects of spacial accomodation. In fact the city is fairly overbuilt, densely populated and can afford no spare areas for its development. No less acute are transport problems. Year in year out ecological condition of the “southern capital” deteriorates dramatically: virtually, in terms of aggravated environmental pollution it may well be rated as one of the topmost among Kazakhstani cities. Upon a thorough study of the entire territory of Kazakhstan subject to 32 parameters including social-and-economic indices, climate, landscape, seismic condition, natural environment, engineering and transport infrastructure, construction facilities, labour resources and others the city of Akmola was chosen as the most optimum alternative of all.
Overall condition of the city, its territory, its being virtually the geographic centre of Kazakhstan, its proximity to major economic regions on the crossroads of important arterial lines, an opportunity of bringing the number of the population up to 700,000 people, pretty stable heat-, water- and power supplies, well-developed transport infrastructure, balanced natural environment - all these factors came to be decisive in making the choice.
Within the context of contemplated realization of plans and development of the economic potential of the region, starting early 1997 there functions in Akmola a mechanism and an extraordinary legal regime of the Akmola special economic zone, established by virtue of the Decree of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan of October 9,1996. Three basic factors determine its expediency:
First,it establishes a free customs zone which enables all natural and legal entities engaged in business activities within the confines of the city's territory enjoy the right to duty-free and non-taxable import of goods.
Second, goods manufactured on the territory of the aforementioned special economic zone, are subject to exemption from customs duties when exported.
Third, there has been introduced a concessional taxation regime which, first and foremost, applies to enterprises involved in construction and maintenance of real estates. These moves are aimed at enhancing Kazakhstani foreign investors, their participation in the economic development of the capital.
CITY FOR THE NEW MILLENIUM
Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, is already nearly 10 years old and a wide range of ambitious building projects are in full swing... 1,700 cranes are currently in operation on 650 separate sites in a city which less than a decade ago, had a population of only 280,000, and today boasts - 600,000.
Building work in Astana is on an unprecedented scale; to date, investment totals an incredible KZT 1 trillion 500 billion – dwarfing current projects in Dubai, and the construction of Brasilia and Canberra. All the new projects bear the mark of the country’s president, Nursultan Nazarbayev.
In 1994, the president decided the capital of Kazakhstan would be moved here from Almaty. In 1997,the city’s name – briefly Akmola and before that Tselinograd - was changed to Astana — literally ‘capital’.
Moving the capital to Astana allowed President Nazarbayev to build and — with the extraordinary level of foreign investment that the country has attracted since the discovery of its untapped oil reserves — to build on an epic scale...
On the right bank of the city is the building site of Khan Shatyr – a spectacular and unique, fully-functioning indoor city for 10,000 inhabitants designed by Norman Foster (celebrated for Beijing’s new airport and the transformation of the Reichstag).
This immense structure – an area larger than ten football stadiums – will regulate temperature and accommodate schools, hospitals, shops, sports and concert halls. Cars will be prohibited from entering, but canals and water transport will be used. The upper floor of Khan Shatyry will have a jungle, beach and a ‘sea’.
Foremost among the completed large-scale buildings is the or ‘Tree of Life’. It stands midway down the length of a 1.5km-long boulevard lined with flowerbeds, sculptures and fountains. Huge offices line either side of this thoroughfare: a national archive resembling a giant egg, a pair of 30-storey cones in gold mirror glass and a trio of towers… The Baiterek Tower was completed in 2002. It is 97m high (a figure that reflects the year in which Astana became the capital) and comprises an ‘egg’ of gold mirror glass held aloft on a ‘tree’ of white steel. The Kazakhs have dubbed it “The Big Chupa Chups” for its resemblance to the lollipop. A lift ascends into the egg to an observation deck with a platform that supports a triangular gold ingot in which President Nazarbayev’s handprint has been cast. The tower has come to symbolise the ambitions of the country much like the Eiffel Tower in France.
In 1998, President Nazarbayev envisaged a permanent structure to house the Congress of World Religions (which takes place triennially in Astana). There was a site: directly opposite the presidential palace. There was a time frame: it had to be ready by 2006.The President had been thinking about the form that this ‘Palace of Peace & Accord’ should take. He decided a pyramid would be suitable and contacted Norman Foster to design it. The pyramid, 62m wide and long, incorporates a sub-terranean 1,500-seat auditorium which today functions as an all-purpose performing arts venue. Blue and yellow light permeates the cathedral-like interior of the pyramid itself. On exiting a lift at level six, ramps ascend through a hanging garden and wind towards a circular platform with a wide oculus at its centre. Here, Brian Clarke’s stained glass windows can be admired (a flock of doves are pictured ascending towards the sun that is the central emblem of Kazakhstan’s flag).
The building required a workforce of nearly 2,000 - supplemented by the Kazakh army in the final stretch.
This year alone, a new bridge across the Ishim River; an outpatient medical facility, four monuments, a residential home for veterans and senior citizens were unveiled in Astana. A number of overpasses have also been completed and exit roads running towards the cities of Kokshetau, Kostanai and Pavlodar have been overhauled. 24 parking lots are being constructed to house 7,500 cars each (55 underground garages and multi-level parking lots accommodating up to 20,000 cars each will be operational by 2009).
An additional two bridges are under construction, as well as 22 schools, a medical cluster, a 3,500-seat concert hall by the Italian architect Manfredi Nicoletti and a 3km-long Green Water Boulevard… Groundbreaking ceremonies have been held to celebrate the start of construction of the Nokian tyres plant, Nissan and General Electric assembly facilities. New 5-star hotels, mosques and synagogue all function well - and a light rail metro line will open in 2010 (with a link to the airport). Landscaping work is also underway to make Astana greener. 400 hectares will be transformed into parks and squares and 40 thousand hectares of forest have already been planted around the city’s outskierts.
In cooperation with entrepreneurs’ public associations a fair of social projects has been organised in the capital for the presentation of programmes in the fields of healthcare, ecology, sports and culture, as well as the medical and social rehabilitation of disabled persons. This concept has resulted in 45 projects for a cost of more than one billion tenge, including the establishment of a baby food plant, the opening of a kidney dialysis centre and the improvement of the material base of rehabilitation centres.
The mayor of Astana has offered a grant for the best innovation project. The winners will not only be awarded money for the initial project development, but will also receive support in the form of further financing and execution at the Astana industrial park. Apropos, the industrial park is planned to contain approximately 200 construction and processing projects. These are plans for the future, but currently, the construction of a Nissan car factory with an annual capacity of 30,000 cars, and a Nokian tyre plant are planned for development in Astana as part of the “30 Corporate Leaders” Programme.
Astana is developing rapidly and improving its image, not only due to the country’s high performance economy and its banking and energy sectors. The human factor is also of great importance. The personal involvement of the President of Kazakhstan, his responsibility and political will are making a great contribution to the outstanding development of
Astana. President Nursultan Nazarbayev holds annual meetings on the development of the capital at the Astana Master Plan Science and Research Institution (As tanagenplan).
“The construction of our capital is making powerful and promising progress, which is inspiring the admiration offoreign visitors and the people of Kazakhstan. A metropolitan spirit is being formed, and the mentality of the Astana residents is changing. Our goal is not only to build a beautiful city, but also to form a unique spirit for the capital. We have already done a great portion of this work, but we have to do more,” the President has repeatedly noted.
Nursultan Nazarbayev identified therequirements for the construction of Astana, including the ban on singular construction projects and the requirement for these to be replaced by a transition to complex construction, attracting investors for the construction of utilities infrastructure and social projects, compliance with all town planning standards and the preservation of the capital’s general architectural concept.
“The general city planning scheme is like a structure for the city. It should be amended only with care and a clear head. It is unacceptable for every person involved to make their own changes. The only criteria for making decisions should be conclusions made by skilled specialists and experts,” Nursultan Nazarbayev instructed.
Astana is to become one of the top 30 cities in the world. To achieve this purpose, not only the highest architectural design standards, but also infrastructure and living standards should be met. The population of Astana has increased two-fold since the capital moved there, and amounts to approximately 700,000 people today. The population will increase to one million people by 2011.
Now Astana is experiencing a building boom, with approximately 15,000,000 sq. m to be constructed in the next few years. Unique buildings are planned to be built, such as the magnificent Khan Shatyry (Royal Marquee) designed by the world famous architect Norman Foster, or the unique Batygai covered city, where 10,000 people will live and work. As part of the constitutional reforms to be implemented in Kazakhstan, the law “On the status of the capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan” gave Astana special status and importance as the administrative centre of Kazakhstan.
Turkish, Italian, French, Swiss and other experts are taking part in the construction of the new capital. The possibility for constructing in Astana a national cultural or trade zone by the construction companies of one or another country is now discussed during the official visits of foreign delegations. The municipal administration is allocating land and guaranteeing preferential status for such projects. This proves that Astana is open for architecture, culture, traditions and new trends.
The central section of the old town has been paved with new stone blocks. A great amount of urban landscaping work is being carried out to create a green belt surrounding the city to protect people from strong winds.
The city administration has paid special attention to creating up-to-date infrastructure. The basements and ground floors of houses have shops, cafes and service departments.
Astana is located at a road andrailway junction. The international airport makes it possible to link Astana with major cities around the world. The administrative buildings on the left bank of the Yesil River are remarkable in terms of their comfort, architectural simplicity and harmony. Priorities for the city are the development of infrastructure, the construction of international hotels and trade centres, and the development of the existing construction base.
NEW CENTER OF INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE
In order to emphasize the importance of inter-religious dialogue, Kazakhstan held the 1st and 2nd Congresses of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in Astana, which were attended by representatives of almost all the world’s religious faiths.
These congresses and a number of international scientific and practical conferences “on inter-confessional relations” continue the tradition of inter-confessional dialogue.
The 1st Congress was held on 23–25 September 2003 in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan.
The participants of the 1st Congress adopted a declaration confirming the essential nature of the efforts of the United Nations and other international and regional organizations, governments, and NGOs to promote dialogue between the civilizations and to strengthen co-operation on preserving spiritual values and cultivating dialogue with the aim of securing peace in the new millennium.
The 2nd Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions was held on 12–13 September 2006 in Astana in the Palace of Peace and Concord that was specially built for the Forum. There were 43 delegations from 20 countries. More than 160 delegates represented all the world’s religious confessions – Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Daoism, Shinto, and many others. In addition, representatives of such international organizations as the UN, the OSCE, UNESCO also took part in the event.
The general title of the congress was “Religion, Society and International Security”. The two thematic sessions were entitled “Freedom of faith and respect for the followers of other religions” and “The role of religious leaders in consolidating international security”.
The first day of the Forum saw the adoption of a number of “principles of inter-faith dialogue”. During the Congress the participants of the Forum were guided by the basic components of that document.
The participants at the Congress also adopted the Joint Declaration of the Second Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions. The Declaration appeals to all the representatives of faiths and ethnic groups to prevent conflicts rooted in cultural and religious differences. The document reflected the global necessity to change from an “ideology of conflict” to a “culture of peace”.
The Forum decided that the 3rd Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions should be held in Kazakhstan in 2009 in Astana. Under its aegis, the Forum is planning to establish an international centre for cultures and faiths.
Kazakhstan’s initiatives on inter-confessional dialogue are not limited to such large-scale events as the congresses.
In 2007, in co-operation with the Secretariat General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), Kazakhstan hosted the conference “Islamic Civilization in Central Asia”, which was devoted to questions of inter-civilization dialogue. Representatives of 23 Muslim and western countries attended the conference, notably OIC Secretary General Dr. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu.
The conference was a continuation of a series of similar conferences that have been held in such countries as Azerbaijan, Albania, Bulgaria, Brunei, Pakistan, Russia, Senegal, Uganda, UAE since 1986.
In 2008 Astana plans to carry on the activities of its international forum, with particular reference to the theme of dialogue between the Muslim world and the West.
ARCHITECTURE OF THE FUTURE
The architectural design of the new capital is based on Nursultan Nazarbayev’s idea that Astana, by virtue of its geographic location, must combine Asian and European aesthetics as a centre of Eurasia.
Today, Astana is already the most European of all Asian capitals. At the same time, it is a capital of a quite new Asian state, that pretends to play its own role in the modern-day world. And this role is perceived as bigger than simply to be “a bridge to Europe” or one seeking to “return to its roots”. “Kazakhstan is a Eurasian country, said Nursultan Nazarbayev, and Astana is one of the geographic centres of Eurasia. The choice of location was also based on the assumption that the city would become one of the most powerful transportation and communications hubs of the huge continent. The economic, technological and information flows of the developing Eurasian area will pass through our new capital in the 21st century”.
Today, Astana is a city of the future, and this concept extends to the design of the city itself. Astana’s architectural concept merges with its philosophical concept. The landscape of Astana is universal in its principle. For example, gorgeous skyscrapers could be built in the granite quayside along the Yesil River and small European style quarters could be constructed in the city centre.
Some old streets are broad and straight as the traditional streets of oriental capitals such as Cairo or Delhi. The blue domes of Ak Orda, the Municipal Mosque and some administration offices also have an oriental style. The domes serve as elevation points to arrange the architectural space around them.
At the same time, the new capital pays a tribute of love and respect to the cosmogony symbols of the old Kazakh yurt. We pay respect to the beautiful civilisations and cultures that glorified the steppe while they strove for fineness, truth and generosity as they are revived in symbols of independence. The diversity of styles demonstrates our link with the past, confidence in the present, and our sincere hopes for a peaceful and happy future.
Palace of Peace and Concord is one of the newest sights of Astana. The pyramid-shape building is constructed by the famous English architect Norman Foster. Now there are the largest opera hall in Central Asia, the circular chamber located under the dome of the pyramid on four props, the world religions research center with its extensive library and the university of civilizations.
In his state-of-the-nation address President Nursultan Nazarbayev emphasized that social welfare gain should be accompanied by improvement of life activity quality and human resources of the country. It’s the key mission of academic and medical complexes of Kazakhstan.
In connection with this the Head of the State charged the Government and Astana akimat to complete this year mainly the formation of the medical cluster and provide for commissioning of all the objects scheduled for the Astana’s 10th anniversary.
Khan Shatyr Shopping and Entertainment Center is a landmark project in Kazakhstan featuring world class shopping and entertainment under the same roof.
Designed by Lord Norman Foster, the famous British architect, Khan Shatyr is poised to be the biggest “tent” in the world.
The center for “new way of life” features luxurious shopping, restaurants, cafes, leisure and entertainment activities.
Called Abu Dhabi Plaza, British architect Norman Foster has designed the complex to include an 88-storey tower, hotels, a “traditional” Kazakh market and a winter garden the size of a soccer pitch to offer Astanians the chance to enjoy constant temperatures of 10C (50F) – even in winter when it’s often –40C outside.
Situated along Astana’s “green axis” – two immense intersecting boulevards - Abu Dhabi Plaza will be a staggered matrix of buildings with a retail and leisure podium and a hotel cluster at the base that rises to form a series of office and residential towers to the north. The retail podium will incorporate a light rail station and a public square. The entire complex is envisaged as a 24-hour landmark destination - offering complete living, leisure and work solutions.
A unique Astana Stadium becomes one of the important strokes to an architectural portrait of capital. Under its construction the huge rectangular platform located between the center of Astana and the capital airport is given. All the advanced technologies used at construction of sports objects and, in particular, of stadiums, will be applied at erection of this object. The system of a roof will have motionless and mobile components which will work independently. It is designed to preserve a green covering of a field against rigid climatic conditions. Therefore here, besides football fights, it will be possible to spend other competitions. This purpose other innovations are subordinated also. At designing the most important attribute - a field authors adhered to the highest standards corresponding criteria of FIFA and UEFA. It will be warmed up as required. The safe zone between the field and tribunes will be overed by not sliding material.
The stadium will be removed enough from the center that is why around it the zone is planned extensive for parking. Besides ticket offices will settle down in parking place. For convenience of spectators and greater capacity of the tribune will settle down at two levels: 16 thousand spectators on the bottom tribune and 14 thousand - on top. Between them in the western part of stadium will be located the VIP - zones or so-called suites. For the first time in Kazakhstan it will be constructed sports construction with such widely presented infrastructure. Television room, restaurants, bars, interiors, numerous buffets, toilets on all the perimeter … And a maximum of comfort for visitors: from a zero level to the top part of tribunes of spectators will uplift convenient lifts.
To reach the necessary tribune visitors can on specially designed slopes. And under tribunes locker rooms for sportsmen, rooms for judges and press, television and photo rooms, technical premises will be located, etc. General information: total area - 232, 485 sq. meters, the area of the field - 7 140 sq. meter, capacity: 30 000 persons.
Two hundred fifteen meters of new Business Center “Republic” will soon put Astana along with Chicago, Tokyo, Moscow and other happy owners of skyscrapers. Forty nine floors will be erected by a principle of “clever house”.
The latest addition to the metropolis of Astana will be an autonomous mini-city which has been designed to look like a three dimensional bar chart - a form that expressly echoes the ever-augmenting economic fortunes of the country.
STRATEGY OF DEVELOPMENT
The programme and the construction strategy of Astana city were developed based on the specific circumstances and financial strengths of the city. The programme can be divided into three distinct stages. The first, covering the period from 1998 through 2001, had the goal of creating all necessary conditions to turn a provincial town into a full-blown capital. At this stage, our efforts were basically focused on the major reconstruction of existing
administrative buildings for ministries and agencies; the construction of residential buildings on “empty spots” for government employees moving to Astana; and the improvement and equipping of central districts with a developed network of service and entertainment centres.
UNESCO’s award to Astana as the “City of the World,” as well the Big Golden Diploma of the International Union of Architects and International Architecture Academy for the project materials of the Astana Master Plan State Enterprise at the Moscow International Festival - Art of Building-2001, could be considered an appreciation of this stage.
During the second stage (2001 - 2006) the programme’s objective as to establish a new city centre on the left bank of the Ishim River and to reconstruct the central districts of the old part of the city in compliance with the officially approved master plan of Astana in August 2001, developed by Dr. Kisho Kurokawa’s team.
To create a favourable investment climate and attract investments from local and foreign companies, in January 2002, the President signed legally-binding decree on the Astana New City Special Economic Zone. As a result, the number of local and foreign companies interested in investing in the development of the capital and to participate in the construction of modern residential complexes, service, trade, and entertainment facilities has soared. In practical terms, all construction in the capital, other than social and municipal facilities, transport and engineering infrastructure, from then on has been funded by the private sector.
It became possible to use the majority of the municipal budget funds
to build schools, kindergartens, social apartments, transport interchanges and arterial utility systems. In this respect, I could not neglect to mention local and foreign construction investment companies (BI Group, KUAT, Basis A, HIGHVILL, Ceylan, Sembol, Okan, Ahsel and others), which, apart from investing funds into the construction of super-modern residential complexes and unique buildings, participate actively in the formation of an expressive architectural image for Kazakhstan’s new capital.
A city cannot be called a city of the 21st century, if along with a planning structure formed in compliance with innovative city planning ideas; it does not have buildings that are architectural examples of the new epoch. Creative research for the discovery of new methods for development and future breakthroughs can only be conducted by recognised maestros in world architecture. Therefore, we tried to engage the world’s leading experts in the development of the most important facilities to be constructed in Astana.
Significant support in this issue was, and still is being rendered by former President of the International Union of Architects, Vasilis Sgutas and the President of International Architecture, Georgy Stoilov. Thanks to their assistance, several unique facilities are being built in the capital according to the designs of world-famous architects.
In particular, from the outstanding modern architect, Norman Foster, two absolutely unique facilities are being constructed in Astana: the Palace of Peace and Accord and the new Trade and Entertainment Centre. According to a design submitted by the well-known Italian architect Manfredi Nicoletti, we are building a uniquely shaped concert hall with 3,500 seats. The international “hitech” airport was built as per a design from Kisho Kurokawa. Just recently, a competition finished for the development of draft ideas for a more than 200 metre high business centre/hotel building among the alumni of International Architecture Academy. The first prize was awarded to the well-known architect from Japan, Kionore Kikutake. This competition was especially remarkable as it was conducted by a private company. At the early drafting stage, the project led to some strong interest among the international architectural community. Thus, we are confident that thanks to the close collaboration of and competition between local architects and gurus of world architecture, in just a few years, our capital will be greatly beautified with buildings that could be called landmarks of development, in terms of both domestic and global architecture. Therefore, the second stage of Astana’s development could be considered as a period of foundation for city planning and architectural basics for a city of the future, a city of the 21st century.
The necessity to move into the third stage of Astana’s development is caused by the advanced pace of growth in the size of the population, as well as new conditions and opportunities conditioned by the dynamics of the economy and social progress. Even Kisho Kurokawa, the eminent philosopher and theorist of architecture and city planning, could not foresee such an explosive development of the capital and economy of our country.
In order to be able to react rapidly to the new conditions and opportunities, as well as to develop city planning and construction projects, taking into consideration the trends and achievements in world architecture, it is planned to reorganize the Astana Master Plan State Enterprise into a research, design, and experimental institute. The mission of the institute will include an analysis of the efficiency of the decisions made in city planning, a study of trends in international architecture development, creation of pilot projects, preparation of research recommendations and a legal basis for the city planning and architecture of the capital.
Such is the logic of the approaches and strategic perspectives taken toward the city planning development of Kazakhstan’s new capital. We are confident, that Astana will powerfully and continuously evolve according to the principles and logic of the development of the most promising cities of the 21st century, and soon it will turn into one of the most beautiful cities in Eurasia.
LIGHT RAIL TRAM IN ASTANA
The first stage of the project in overpass variant – Ring line - it will be realized by the end of 2011. Total of a rolling stock – 33 units along Kabanbay-batyr avenue will pass the Second stage (2013) up to the airport. The third stage (2014) will connect along Syganak street Avenue of a millennium and Abylai-khan avenue. The fourth stage (2015) under N.Tlendiev's prospectus will connect residential community Koktal to city. Thus the system will cover all the basic areas of residing of the population, administrative centers, places of mass sports and entertainment actions, the airport and stations.
EDUCATION: NEW TECHNOLOGIES – NEW THINKING
Internet is widely taken root into a capital education system. Today five colleges and five schools of Astana have work in the network of Internet on ADSL-communication. 51 schools are connected to a WorldNet on ADSL-communication, the others – by means of dial-up communications. On the basis of the Center of information of an education system it is installed and functioned the server of Department of education of Astana city connected to the network of Internet on the allocated channel. In the post server, introduced here is maintained the mail service of organizations of education.
In September 2007 on the base of high school №50 had been lead the interactive lesson with participation of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev. 33 organizations of education bonded on the simultaneous communication with school. Now thirty seven schools and two colleges have greater opportunities for conducting a lesson in an interactive mode owing to the equipment by 53 interactive boards.
In higher education system the establishment of a new university in Astana is a major and significant project in the whole education sphere. This university will comprise four educational structures specializing in IT, the arts and social sciences, engineering and technology, and applied sciences. The University is the first project in Astana of this extent whereby it has been designed to cover social, cultural, training, education and accommodation needs of the 25 000 students and its lecturers. The main atrium with its 33.85 metre width and 580 metre length makes up the backbone of the faculty, social and cultural buildings. A comfortable living space is obtained by connecting the main atrium with faculty atriums.
ASTANA MEDICAL CLUSTER
In 2007 the President opened the National Scientific and Health Centre, National Maternity Care Centre. The second one creates conditions for diagnostics, treatment and prevention of abnormities of children, infants and women. It meets the world standards and it has no analogous in CIS countries. A Diagnostic Centre will be put into operation very soon. A Neurosurgical Centre will start working from July 2008.
All these - National Maternity and Childhood Center, Republican Children’s Rehabilitation Center, Diagnostic Center, Institute of Emergence Call Service, Scientific Surgery Center, Cardiac Surgery Center, Neurosurgical Center and the National Medical Academy will comprise the medical cluster.
Initiating the medical cluster will give an opportunity to accumulate all the scientific trends in the development of the country’s medicine, apply all the attainments of the world science for achieving humane goals. The medical cluster will for sure benefit the society. The centers will employ the best specialists. Therefore, the development of Kazakhstan’s medicine within the cluster will help upgrade the level of the country’s medical science.
DID YOU KNOW...
...that the Palace of Peace and Concord was built specifically for the meetings of the leaders of the world’s religions?
The building was designed by the famous British architect Norman Foster. It has the form of a pyramid. Its first levels are occupied by the opera house (seating 1500). The pyramid is 62 metres high with a base of 62 square metres. It contains ample space for meetings and conferences. The top of the pyramid contains a round hall with 200 seats, where the meetings of the world’s religious leaders take place.
....that Kazakhstan is the largest country with a predominantly Moslem population and also the northernmost Moslem country with a secular system of government? The Nur-Astana Mosque has room for five thousand believers inside and two thousand outside on the square. The impressive structure made of glass, concrete, granite and alucobond measures almost four thousand square meters has four minarets, each being 62 meters high. The aluminum covered domes can be seen from far away.
... that the Beit-Rahel-Habbad Lyubavich Synagogue is the largest synagogue in Kazakhstan and in Central Asia? It was founded in Astana on 7 September 2004 and has a total area of 5600 square meters.
… that the first ever capital of Kazakhstan since 1920 had been the city of Orenburg (now included in the Russian Federation). In 1925 the capital of Kazakhstan was transferred to Kzyl-Orda. Construction of the Turksib railway served the basic reason for transferring the capital to Almaty in 1927.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR FOREIGN MASS MEDIA
International Press Center
The main press center of the International events will be located in the building of Duman Hotel, Korgalzhinskoe highway 2А, and will start its work on 30th of June, 2008.
The branch of the press center will be opened in Radisson Hotel during the 17th session of OSCE. It will meet the press pools of journalists arriving for coverage of official events.
The International events will be broadcasted live in the main press center. The press center will provide workplaces for writing- and electronic mass media with electric sockets, phones, personal computers, Internet access, facsimiles and copy machines. Transmission of video materials will be carried out, too.
Official Website of the Astana’s 10th Anniversary
The website of the 10th anniversary of Astana -www.astana10.com - is a main information resource on the key aspects of the 10th anniversary conduction and organization of Mass Media work.
In particular, in the “News” section there will be all the latest news, shorthand records of the briefings and press conferences of the leaders of the states, members of delegations and international experts who take part in international events.
In the “Working schedule” section you will find the information about meetings and sessions opened for mass media, which took place or are planned during the 10th anniversary of Astana.
All photographs from the events executed by the photo-host agency shall be operatively placed in the “Photo” section in polygraph quality (by publications a reference to www.astana10.com is obligatory).
Accreditated Badges and Poll Cards
Representatives of foreign and Kazakhstan mass media which have submitted within established time and in accordance with the order of application for accreditation, will get accredited badges upon arrival to Astana in the International Press Centerin the building of the Duman Hotel or via coordinators at the hotels.
The journalists, affiliated with the official pools, will be able to get accredited badges via representatives of their delegations.
Availability of the accredited badge is a must for working in the press center, participation in a work of pools, visiting of solemn and cultural events.
In case of loss of accredited badge it is needed to address to the representatives of the press center in the International Press Center.
Coordination of Pool Work
In connection with a big amount of eminent guests coming for celebration of the 10th anniversary of Astana and acting restrictions attendance to the international events will be conducted strictly by limited pools.
Mainly, representatives of electronic mass media will be able to take part. Representatives of writing mass media can observe the events in real time on special monitors placed in the International Press Center in the building of the Duman Hotel. Participation in the pools for journalists from each country is carried out on a quote basis.
Meeting Point of Pools
The journalists, who are a part of work on events under the International event program and who have received the pool cards, must come on appointed time to a meeting point located on a territory of the International Press Center.
A meeting point of pools on a territory of the International Press center will be specified.
Organization of the Personal Press Work
Personal operators and photographers of the leaders of states and governments, and representatives of international organizations will get special accredited badges upon arrival to Astana, which will vary from the badges of the rest accredited journalists. These badges give the right to shooting on those actions where the leaders of the and international organizations participate.
However, these badges do not entitle representatives of personal press to move in a cortege. All personal operators and photographers must arrive to the International Press Center and pass security check in order to get to shooting. Special buses will be rendered for representatives of personal press, which will take them from the press center to a place of celebration events.
Transportation for Representatives of Mass Media
Representatives of mass media, who arrive to Astana with commercial flights to cover International events dedicated to the 10th anniversary of Astana, will be picked up from the airport to the hotels on the shuttle buses free of charge. Also shuttle buses will be organized for the representatives of mass media who arrive by means of railway transportation.
During celebration of jubilee the representatives of mass media will be taken to the objects of the celebrations with limited pools from the International Press Center by buses.
Due to a busy schedule of arriving and departure of the heads of states and governments for celebration of the 10th anniversary of Astana, there can be done changes in the flight and train timetables.
Food
Cold snacks, soft drinks, coffee and tea will be served for the accredited journalists in a Snack Bar during the whole day of work in the International Press Center.
Photo-Host Agency
Mainly, representatives of broadcasting companies and press photographers can take part in work directly on spot events of the international program of celebration. Due to a big amount of participants of the events their coverage will be carried out by strictly limited pools.
At the same time for representatives of all mass media there will be a free-of-charge access to the photographs of all the eventsduring June, 28th till July, 6th, 2008.
The photographs in high resolution, in JPG format will be accessible in the “Photo chronics of celebration of Astana 10th anniversary” on www.Astana10.com in real time.
The photographs offered for free distribution, will be made by photographers of "Astana-10" Agency who will work on all spots of celebration in host-photo mode from June, 28th till July, 6th, 2008.
The pictures can be used for publications in all mass media sources without prior agreement with the Organizational Committee on preparation of the 10th anniversary celebration of Astana (by publications a reference to www.astana10.com is obligatory).
Hall of Briefings and Press Conferences
There is the hall for briefings and press conferences In the International press center.
The hall is equipped with professional lighting and sound amplifier equipment.
Information on time of briefings will be accessible at information desk, and also will be transferred through an information channel of internal TV network of the International Press Center.
Staying at Hotel
The journalists, who have requested and gotten a hotel confirmation via Org. Committee, will arrive to the hotel on a special vehicle, which will run between airport-hotel-airport and railway station-hotel-railway station from June,27th till July, 7th, inclusively.
Upon arrival to the hotel the journalists will be assisted with all necessary information.
The hotel renders full service. The journalists bear expenses for accommodation.
Coordinators – Volunteers
20 coordinators-volunteers will be involved as a help to representatives of the Organizational Committee to render assistance to arriving journalists.
You can easily find the volunteers in the press center, at the airport, railway station, and also on all spots of the events where the leaders of states take part.
