|
KAZAKHSTAN - Almaty, my hometown |
 |
| |
 |
|
The (former) capital city of Kazakhstan, Almaty is known for its beauty, with tree-lined streets, spacious parks, and a dramatic mountain backdrop. The city is located in the center of a fruit-growing region and Almaty is actually translated from Kazak Language as "father of apples." And I live right in the downtown of the biggest city! Few blocks from the House of Parliament, in the very nice neighborhood by the park! Sweet!
|
|
 |
|
LARGEST CITY - 1.3 million in the area of Las Vegas |
|
| |
 |
|
Almaty is the biggest city in the country with the population of over 1.3 million. it was formed as a fortified trading post along The Great Silk Road that stretched from China to Italy and was the main roadway between Europe and Asia. It was named Fort Verniy which translates as "Fort Faithful" or "Loyal". Later it was renamed to Almaty. The main growth happened during and after the World War 2 when many industries have been relocated to the East.
|
|
|
|
MUSIC, THEATER, ARTS, AND EDUCATION - center of Kazakhstan |
|
| |
 |
|
Almaty is a cultural city. There are a lot of museums, theaters, churches, and parks. It is an academics city, too. State University and National Academy of Science plus several big colleges and universities and over 100 school are in Almaty. And you go to school 6 days a week. It is also an industrial city. There are several major manufacturers who built their factories by Almaty. Overall, Almaty is the complete metropolis with its advantages and drawbacks. It is the largest city in Kazakhstan and I'm glad that I was born there.
|
|
|
|
LOCATION, LOCATION, AND LOCATION |
|
| |
 |
|
Hey, the city is nice! I've seen quiet a few beautiful cities around the world and I can say that Almaty is one of them. For real! It might not have few things other cities have but Almaty has great mountains that are very close and large parks covered with tall trees, wide-open squares, like the one pictured on the left. Most people live in apartments, I would say 99% of the city population. But it considered normal. And not many people have cars since it is expensive and public transportation is good.
|
|
|
|
VISUALIZE IT - more pictures for your enjoyment |
|
| |
 |
|
 |
|
| |
There were no church, just the state when USSR existed. After, people returned to faith. Almaty managed to preserve on of the most unique buildings in the whole city - Orthodox Cathedral. Built in 1894, without a single nail, it survived a devastating earthquake of 1902 that destroyed the entire town.
|
|
Open market, in Almaty called "Green Market" is on the picture above. It is called green because most of the produce is fresh, gathered and sold on the market the same day. There are a lot of tents outside for seasonal products, as well a pavilion inside where more regular products, like meat, is sold.
|
|
| |
 |
|
 |
|
| |
When winter comes, there is plenty to do in and around town. Medeo, a winter sports complex situated just South of the city high in Tien-Shan mountains offers many recreational opportunities. You can go for a walk and breathe FRESH mountain air or get a pair of ice skates and go skating with other people on the ice of the skating rink pictured above.
|
|
Almaty TV tower, is the highest structure in Kazakhstan. The tower build on one of the neighboring hills, provides the antenna signal for the city and its suburbs. It also offers a spectacular view of the city. There is a suspended cable car that you can take to get there, or a road, which way you prefer. Either way you will be impressed by the view.
|
|
| |
 |
|
 |
|
| |
Ah... memories... When I was a little kid my grandma used to take me to this river where I would play all day and watch water cascade down the stream. River Vesnovka is a small river that runs through the city creating a place for people to go for a break from the urban.
|
|
Abai Theater, 2 blocks form where I live. My grandmother worked there for a long time. I really like this building. I have been frequently visiting it for ballet, concerts, and other events. This theater also has a really cool park around where I like to hang out with my friends.
|
|
|
.gif){kind=tracking}
