Exploring Almaty: A Journey Through Kazakhstan's Largest City Kazakhstan
Welcome to Almaty, Kazakhstan! Not many may know about Kazakhstan aside from its famous fictional representative, Borat. But, as it turns out, this Central Asian country has much more to offer than meets the eye. This led me to embark on a journey to discover what this under-the-radar but expansive nation has to offer.
Starting in Almaty, Kazakhstan's largest city, I was joined by my local Kazakh friend, Egor. "Hello everyone!" he greeted. We planned to explore not just Kazakhstan but also neighboring Kyrgyzstan over the next two weeks, promising an exciting adventure ahead.
Our first stop in Almaty was Kok Tobe, a hilltop providing stunning views of the city accessible via a speedy cable car ride. The site was akin to a small amusement park bustling with activities for children and numerous families enjoying the outdoors. A colossal Soviet-era TV tower dominates the hilltop, but the true highlight of Kok Tobe is the panoramic view of Almaty. From there, one can appreciate the city's vast spread and lush greenery.
After descending from Kok Tobe, we ventured into downtown Almaty, known as the "city of apples." The wild apple, Malus sieversii, originated here, and the name 'Alma-Ata' translates to 'Grandfather of apples,' much like Ataturk is to the Turks. Interestingly, daisies and wild tulips also hail from this region, which hosts the world's largest field of natural grasses.
Our conversation then turned to the linguistic landscape of Kazakhstan. Russian is widely spoken due to the country's Soviet past, but there's a growing resurgence in the use of Kazakh, a Turkic language akin to Turkish. In Almaty, which was once the southern capital before Astana took over, the old and the new blend seamlessly. The city is greener and more laid-back compared to the modern vibes of Astana, now reverted to its original name after a brief stint as Nur-Sultan.
Strolling down Panfilov Street, the historical center of the city known as the "Golden Square," we admired the Soviet-style architecture, including the Abay Opera House crowned with golden sculptures. Almaty, with its numerous fountains and Soviet-era buildings, was once dubbed the 'City of Fountains.'
As the day turned to night, we explored the vibrant nightlife of Almaty, far removed from any Borat-inspired preconceptions. And just like that, our journey across this part of Central Asia was off to a flying start, filled with cultural insights, historical wonders, and the promise of more adventures in the rugged terrains of Kazakhstan.