Photographs of Almaty

About the Project

I was born and raised in Almaty. I love this city. And for fifteen years I have been capturing it with my camera. Over this time, many shots have accumulated that I consider successful.

This page is an attempt to convey my feelings for the city through photographs. It should by no means be taken as a comprehensive city guide or a catalogue of landmarks. There are many wonderful places I have never visited, or visited without a camera.

The author is not a professional photographer or journalist. The text may contain typos, and the photos may have sensor dust spots I didn't notice

The Fortress of Verniy

Today Almaty is the largest city in Kazakhstan. The city's population is approaching two and a half million people. However, the modern history of the city began in 1854 with the founding of the fortress "Verniy" (meaning "Faithful").

The fortress grew rapidly, and by 1913, more than 41 thousand people lived here.

Ascension Cathedral

One of the first iconic buildings of the city is the Ascension Cathedral. The cathedral was built in 1904–1907 in "Pushkin Square" (now the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen).

Unlike 776 other buildings, the Ascension Cathedral successfully survived the Kemin earthquake (January 4, 1911)

My favourite time for walks in the park is right after heavy snowfall. The white snow and the cathedral's bright ornaments create a fairytale atmosphere

Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen

The park was established in 1872 on the site of a local cemetery, and to this day the graves of the family of Gerasim Kolpakovsky, one of the first leaders of Verniy, are preserved here

The park changed its name several times:
· City Garden (until 1899)
· Pushkin Garden (until 1919)
· Local Lenin Park
· Park of the Fallen Fighters for Freedom
· Public May 1st Park
· Federation of Soviet Republics (1927)

The park received its final name in 1942, in memory of the feat accomplished by soldiers of the 1075th Regiment of the 316th Rifle Division during the defence of Moscow.

A memorial and eternal flame were erected in the park in their honour

Russia is vast, but there is nowhere to retreat — Moscow is behind us!

This phrase by Red Army political officer Vasily Klochkov is inscribed on the memorial pedestal. Currently, there is debate about its appropriateness on this monument

After heavy snowfall, local fir trees are covered with a thick layer of snow, and children stroll in the park after school

🔗 More photos of the park

Hotel Kazakhstan

During the Soviet years, the city was actively developed, and it was during this period that many of its most famous landmarks appeared. One of them is the Hotel "Kazakhstan".

The hotel was completed in 1977. It has 26 floors and stands 102 metres tall. Until 2008, it was the tallest building in Almaty.

The famous "Crown" on the hotel's roof glows as if it were a huge torch illuminating the city. On the 26th floor of the tower, right under the crown, there is a restaurant with fantastic views of the city

Abai Square

The square connects several Almaty landmarks: Hotel Kazakhstan, the Palace of the Republic, the Arman cinema, and the cable car station from which you can reach the park at the top of Kok-Tobe

Next to the square is a garden that was recently renovated, giving it a modern look

Above the square is the famous Arman cinema. I remember how as children we constantly went there and how the bright things in the hall glowed so interestingly.

The cinema opened in 1968. In 1981 alone, it was visited by over 1.7 million viewers. The side facades are decorated with bas-relief compositions by monumental sculptor V. I. Konstantinov. Pay attention to them the next time you are here

In 2019, behind the cinema, another four-star hotel "Novotel" opened, which blended well into the architectural ensemble of this square

Kok-Tobe Park

We already saw that there is a cable car station near Abai Square. So let's take a ride. I have a short video that I filmed in 2017. The weather was poor that day with heavy smog, but it turned out atmospheric nonetheless

The best time to visit the park: spring, summer, especially after rain, before sunset. Sometimes you can see truly magical sunsets

The sunlight literally engulfs the city, building by building. Creating incredible views

From Kok-Tobe you can see the entire central district of Almaty, its business centre. For example, in this shot you can make out Republic Square, located along Satpayev Street

And higher up you can find Al-Farabi Avenue and the tallest building in the city, Esentai Tower

Panfilov Street

Below the theatre, Panfilov Street begins, which became pedestrian in 2017. Since then, it has become one of the main arteries connecting many of the city's landmarks

In recent years, many cafes and restaurants have opened along the street

Walking along the street, you can see interesting and colourful buildings, such as this residential building at the intersection with Bogenbay Batyr Street

Or this residential building at the intersection with Tole Bi Street

Nearby is a monument to the heroes of the Great Patriotic War — Aliya Moldagulova and Manshuk Mametova

I also have a short video showing the atmosphere on Panfilov Street on an autumn evening

Kazakh-British Technical University

The university is housed in the former Supreme Soviet of the Kazakh SSR building (House of Government). The project was completed as early as 1938, but active construction took place from 1951 to 1957.

The building's facade is adorned with a colonnade of 10 columns

Sometimes, rain or melting snow can create amazing scenes

Astana Square

The university is located on Astana Square, also known as the Old Square.

Another notable structure here is the Kazpotrebsoyuz building, constructed in 1953. The centre of the building's composition is an octagonal tower with a spire.

Arbat

Moving further down, you reach the Almaty Arbat — a pedestrian zone stretching from Kunayev Street in the east to Zheltoksan Street in the west.

The dominant feature of the Arbat is the twin towers, built in 1984, distinguished by being rotated 45 degrees relative to other buildings in the area.

Another landmark of the Arbat is TsUM (Central Department Store), located at the intersection with Abylai Khan Avenue.

Green Bazaar

If you continue further east, you will reach the famous Green Bazaar. The bazaar received its modern appearance in 1975, when a covered pavilion in the Soviet constructivist style opened, designed by architect Mark Pavlov. The bazaar consists of several levels: the main pavilion accommodates 800 stalls, and the summer market — 200.

Central Park of Culture and Recreation

Even further east lies the Central Park of Culture and Recreation. The park was established back in 1856. Its original name was "State Garden". In the 1930s, the park was reconstructed, attractions were added, and a zoo was opened in its eastern part.

My favourite place in the park is the Lower Lake. It offers a wonderful view of the Kok-Tobe TV tower. Each season has its own charm.

Be it autumn

Spring

Winter

Or summer

And it is also very beautiful late in the evening

Botanical Garden

Let's move to the Almaty Botanical Garden, located in the Bostandyk district of the city. The garden was founded in 1932, and the first plantings were made the following year. In 2019–2020, a complete reconstruction of the garden took place

The entire territory of the garden was improved, and three entrance pavilions were built. The pavilions are equipped with restrooms, cafes, and information areas. You can also buy houseplants here

And there are swans here too!

Esentai Complex

Those who love modern architecture and upscale boutiques should visit the Esentai complex on Al-Farabi Avenue.

Esentai Tower is the tallest building in the city (40 floors, 168 metres)