Astana

Kazakhstan · modern cities · capital cities · desert transformation

Built from scratch. Astana was founded as a small settlement in 1830, but the real magic happened after 1997 when Kazakhstan's government decided to move the capital here from the bigger city of Almaty. Within just a couple of decades, what was once a quiet town transformed into a stunning modern city with futuristic skyscrapers and grand architecture.

A name that means capital. The city has had several names throughout history, including Akmolinsk and Tselinograd, but in 1998 it was renamed Astana, which simply means 'capital' in the Kazakh language. It's a fitting name for a city that became so important so quickly.

River city in the steppe. Astana sits on the banks of the Ishim River in northern Kazakhstan, a region known for its vast, open grasslands called the steppe. The river provides water and beautiful views to this thriving desert city.

Rapid population boom. The city grew incredibly fast, and today it has over 1.6 million people living there, making it the second-largest city in Kazakhstan. This rapid growth shows how the government's decision to move the capital here changed the entire region.

Modern architecture showcase. Because the city was built so recently, it features strikingly modern and futuristic buildings and designs that reflect Kazakhstan's hopes for the future. Many visitors come to see its unique blend of Kazakh culture and cutting-edge contemporary design.