Presentation Tour ”Modern Astana” Goal: To acquaint tourists with the main sights of Astana city Objectives of the tour: 1. Develop a plan – scheme of the route 2. Prepare an individual text 3. Tell general information about the objects of the tour 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Technological map By content: overview-historical By composition and quantity: adults, 25 – 30 people. By location: urban By method of travel: combined By form of organization: informative Language: English. Duration: 2 academic hours Time of the beginning and end: From 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The monument "Astana – Bayterek" is the most recognizable symbol of Astana. The word "bayterek" is translated from Kazakh as "a young, strong tree”. "Bayterek" in Astana is a symbol of the Tree of the World, connecting three Turkic mythology layers: underground world, earth and heaven. "Bayterek" has been constructed in 2002. The idea of construction belongs to the President N. Nazarbayev. The architect is Akmurza Rustembekov. Height of construction is 105 meters. There is a well-known observation deck in a glass sphere at the height of 97 meters, which symbolizes the year 1997, when the decision to transfer the capital from Almaty has been made. "From an architectural perspective the monument consists of three parts: the first part – the lower level, goes on 4-5 meters to depth with a 7 meter aquarium; the second part – “Bayterek's” skeleton, constructed from metal, in which two high-speed panoramic elevators go; the third part – a sphere with a diameter of 22 meters and weighting 300 tons, made of the chameleon glass, changing its color depending on a sunlight angle, which symbolizes a gold egg of a magic bird Samruk. There is a print of a palm of Kazakhstan’s first President at the highest level named "Ayaly Alakan“, touching which is an integral attribute of visiting the monument for many people. National Archive of the Republic of Kazakhstan The idea of creation the National Archives in the new capital - Astana , is a kind of response to today's challenges. The institution owes it's birth to the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev, a historic, fateful protocol decision dated December 12, 2002 № 01-8.15 for the inclusion of the building of the National Archives of the RK in the list of objects to be built in Astana in 2003. This is one of the first specialized building in the post-Soviet space, equipped with high-tech archive equipment in accordance with international standards and requirements. The building is modern and beautiful. It successfully combines oriental style domed vault, symbolizing infinity and continuity, and the European style of the administrative building. The sight is a distinct addition to the ensemble of the new administrative center. The Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, also named as the “Pyramid” due to its shape, is the symbol of friendship, unity and peace in Kazakhstan. The Palace of Peace and Reconciliation was opened on the 1st of September 2006. One of the most important purposes of this construction is to host the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, within the walls of the “Pyramid”, which takes place once every three years in the capital of Kazakhstan. The idea of construction of such building was suggested by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbaev on the first Congress of World and traditional religions, which took place in Astana City in 2003. Finally, the second congress was already held in the new Palace of Peace and Reconciliation. The author of the project is a famous British architect Lord Norman Robert Foster. The Pyramid has 62 meters high and 62 meters base. The top of the pyramid is decorated with a stained-glass work by the artist Brian Clarke, featuring 130 doves, that symbolize 130 nationalities living in Kazakhstan. The architectural and sculptural complex "Kazak Eli" that is translated as "The Kazakh state" was opened in 2009. It is situated on the right bank of the river Esil at the Independence Square. A key element of the complex is the snow-white stele 91 meter high. This figure is chosen not incidentally, it sends us to 1991, when Kazakhstan became an independent state. At the top of the stele the gilded figure of a magic bird Samruk is established, which shows aspiration of Kazakhstan to further development and prosperity. The pedestal is decorated from four sides by the bas-reliefs with considerable symbolic value. The first bas-relief is "The president and the people“ (western part) . The bas-relief "Courage" In the southern part of a monument reflects military valor, heroism and courage inherent in the Kazakh people . The bas-relief "Creation" in the eastern part of a monument narrates about epoch-making stages of development and prosperity of the people. There is a bas-relief "Future” in the northern part, which is devoted to the youth of Kazakhstan, seeking for achievement of heights in science, culture and sport. Independence Palace is a famous place on Tauelsizdik avenue, which hosts important events, meetings and forums at both local and international levels. There is a Congress hall for 3082 persons, the Ceremonial hall for 268 visitors, the Press-center for 220 guests and a restaurant with a dining capacity of 678 people on the first floor. In addition, there are a Museum of history of Astana, 4D cinema, 360 degree cinema, modern art Gallery, Gallery of Ethnography and applied art, an electronic library the maquette room at three-stored building of the Palace. The locals and guests come here to get acquainted with the history of the capital of Kazakhstan, to witness the interesting ancient artifacts and household items of the Scythian – Saka period. National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan was opened on the 2 July 2014 within the framework of the State program "Cultural Heritage" by an order of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan N.A Nazarbayev . The museum is located on the main square of the country Independence Square, harmoniously fitting into a single architectural ensemble with the monument "Kazakh Eli", the Palace of Independence, the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, cathedral mosque "Hazrаt Sultan" and the National University of Arts. The building consists of seven blocks with a variable number of stores up to the ninth floor . The area of the museum complex reaches 74,000 square meters. Exhibition area occupies 11 halls with a total area of more than 14 000 sq. m. The museum has the following halls: The Hall of Astana, Kazakhstan's Independence Hall, The Halls of Gold, The Hall of Ancient and Medieval History, The Hall of History, Ethnography Hall, The Halls of Modern Art. Children's museum, children's art center, two showrooms, restoration workshops, laboratories, professional storage facilities, scientific library with a reading room and a conference room are also situated here. Kazakh National university of Art was opened in March 31, 1998. The idea of opening a higher musical educational institution belongs to the President of the Rebuplic of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbaev. The new Art higher educational institution has to perform a very important mission of providing highly qualified professional stuff for musical infrastructure of the capital and the regions. In 2010 it moved to its official “home” – the Palace of Arts “Shabyt’, which was built in 2009. As Astana became the new capital, demand for high-quality musical university has increased dramatically. It has led to a high demand for performing groups and musical human resources, performing artists, which could maintain cultural life of the young capital and become spiritual foundation in the future. Opening of the musical academy has become one of the solutions to this problem. Mosque «Hazret Sultan» Cathedral mosque "Hazret Sultan“, located at the Independence Square, is one of the most modern sights of Astana. It is the second largest mosque in Central Asia after the Turkmen mosque named “Spirituality of Turkmenbashi". The mosque took three years to be built and was opened on 6 July 2012. Hazrat Sultan is the name given by the people in Kazakhstan to Sufi Sheikh Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, in whose honor the mosque has been named. The building is crowned by a dome with a height of 51 m and a diameter of 28 m. Four 77-meter minaret s rise at the corners of the mosque. There are eight smaller domes around the main dome. White color has been chosen for the main facade and the interior. Traditional Kazakh ornaments abound the interior decoration and the facade. Mosque "Khazret Sultan" can accommodate up to 10,000 people. The singing fountain is situated on Nurzhol boulevard near “Baiterek” and “The Ministries’ House”, between the houses of “Nur-Saya” apartment blocks. It was constructed in 2004 and is one of the 40 fountain complexes in Astana The fountain is unusual, because its streams play and dance synchronously to 11 classic music compositions. Amazing scene full of light, music and colours can be seen in summer from 9 p.m. till midnight. It consumes one 1200 cubic meters of water at once and about 20-25% daily to fulfill losses of water associated with wind and the sun. The object has 76 pumps, which produce big and small streams. This is a really great place for tourists and citizens, where one can have a great time. Conclusion To conclude, Astana is a city of future, city of Kazakhstan’s dream. Every day it amazes with architecture of modern buildings. “Today Astana is a spiritual foundation of the nation, aspiring to creation, and globally recognized center of international initiatives’ generation». This is the end of our excursion. Thanks for your attention!
