Kazakhstan has risen like a mirage

Panoramic view of Astana

Kazakhstan was largely unknown to the outside world until 2006 when the controversial British-American mockumentary comedy film Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan (simply called Borat) was released. It starred British comic Sacha Baron Cohen as Borat Sagdiyev, a fictitious Kazakh journalist travelling in the US and poked ribald fun at Kazakhs even though it was not filmed in Kazakhstan.

Despite Kazakhstan banning this film, declaring it a national insult, Borat was a roaring commercial success that fuelled a lot of foreign interest in Kazakhstan because millions of viewers had suddenly ‘discovered’ a new country.

Consequently, there was a tourism boom in this Central Asian country that extends from the Caspian Sea in the west to the Altai Mountains bordering China and Russia in the east.

Kazakhs, who are mainly Muslims and Christians, are a proud people. Their passion for and successes in endurance sports, boxing, ballet, music, arts, entertainment, athletics and fashion are well-recorded.

The capital, Astana, is a sprawling modern city with striking architecture and strangely futuristic buildings, resulting in a science-fiction-like skyline. This is in contrast to the vast tracts of open grassland surrounding it

Eighteen years ago Astana did not even exist! It is a city that is literally rising out of the ground – almost like a mirage – thanks to the wealth from the 81 million tonnes of oil produced annually.

Previously called Akmola, the area was once a barren patch of land near the Ishim River and known as the former gulag (hard labour) prison camp for the wives of Soviet traitors. The government moved the original capital from Almaty to Astana.

Astana is a city in the steppes. It is the only large metropolis in the area and has a population of more than 750,000.

There are some interesting places to visit. The 105-metre-high Baitrek Tower, described as the Eiffel Tower of Astana, is an awe-inspiring space-age landmark in the city centre.

This tower evokes the local legend of the Tree of Life and embodies a folktale about a magic bird of happiness called Sumrook, said to have laid its egg at this site, which then had a poplar tree.

Visit the tower’s top level for a spectacular daytime panoramic view of Astana. There is ample space to relax on a couch or walk around to take in the views of nearby buildings including the Presidential Palace. It is equally attractive at sunset.

Many visitors are attracted to the golden monument of President Nursultan Nazarbayev’s hand print inside the tower and by touching it feel contented that they have touched Mr President’s hand.

The Hazrat Sultan is the largest mosque in central Asia and can accommodate 10,000 people. This attractive Arab-style mosque is adorned with traditional Kazakh ornaments and looks as if it is made of porcelain.

Also worth a visit is the unique Noor-Astana Mosque with its golden minaret that makes it one of the most beautiful buildings in the city centre.

The 60-metre high Palace of Peace and Reconciliation is a pyramid-shaped structure of stunning architecture surrounded by fountains.

It embodies the religious significance and peace in Kazakhstan. The palace has a museum, concert hall and boutiques.

Khan Shatyr is a unique and a vibrant strong-structured shopping mall in the shape of a tent. It has a beach club on the top with beach sand imported from the Maldives! Tourists visit this mall mainly for its jaw-dropping architecture.

Its shops are mainly for middle-level spenders. Those seeking luxury shopping can visit the Keruen shopping centre for a bigger choice.

The State Theatre of Opera and Ballet is a beautiful house of arts where enjoyable shows are performed.

With its mixture of congested and leafy streets Astana, the old capital, has lots of scenic views.

Big Almaty Lake is truly beautiful with amazing views of snow-capped mountains.

The famous winter wonderland at Medeu Skating Rink and Ski Resort high up in the mountains is worth a visit.

Even though it takes an hour to get to the top by cable car, you will enjoy great views of mountain streams, flora and fauna and of course, the spectacular mountains.

Zenkov Cathedral, set in the Panfilov Park in the heart of Almaty, should not be missed for its beautiful architecture.

The Museum of Folk Music Instruments has a rich variety of local instruments.

However, be warned that Kazakhstan has severely punishing winter temperatures that can plummet to as low as -40 degrees Celsius.