Fast facts and trivia

3 “Ak Orda” Palace of the President in Astana

No other capital of the world can do without the Presidential (ruler) Residence and Astana is no exception. Five years after the announcement of the new capital of Kazakhstan the official presentation of the Palace of the President, “Ak Orda”, was held. However, that structure is no longer a off-limits state facility; on the initiative of the President regular tours are held there.

The residence of the country’s leader was built in 3 years’ time with the application of the latest technologies. The height of the building along with the spire is 80 meters; the height of the first floor is 10 meters.

During the excursion on the first floor you will see the Grand Central Hall are (1,800 square meters), the Hall of Press Conferences, the Gala Hall, the Winter Garden. The second floor is reserved for office space.

The third floor is entirely dedicated to various international events: in the Marble Hall the documents are signed by the heads of foreign states, in the Golden Hall meetings of smaller groups are held, the Oval Hall is for summits. In addition, on the third floor, there is the Oriental Hall in the form of yurt, the Guest Room, the Hall of Extended Negotiations, the Security Council Chamber, etc.

The fourth floor has the Dome Hall used for summits, the meeting hall for the Government of the Republic, the Library and other rooms. Each room and hall there has its peculiar decoration, furniture and flooring.
You can’t visit the Ak-Orda on one important condition: if the President is in the Residence. You are not allowed to get in, unless you are a head of another state.

3.1 When was the official presentation of the Presidential Residence held?

a) Five years ago;

b) Five years after the announcement of the new capital;

c) Five years after the announcement of the new name of capital;

3.2 Which of the following sentences are true and which of them are false?

a) On the initiative of the Prime-Minister regular tours are held in the Residence;

b) Building of the Residence lasts three years;

c) The Winter Garden is situated on the third floor;

d) In the Marble Hall meetings of smaller groups are held;

e) You can’t visit the Ak-Orda if the President is in the Residence;

3.3 Choose the right translation:

Басқа мемелекеттің көзбасшысы болмасаңыз Сізге кіругі рұқсат болмайды.

a) You couldn’t get in, if you aren’t a head of another state;

b) You mustn’t get in, unless you are not a head of another state;

c) You are not allowed to get in, unless you are a head of another state.

3.4 Which of the floors is reserved for office space?

a) The second;

b) The third;

c) The forth;

3.5 The Oriental Hall is situated on the … floor.

a) first;

b) second;

c) third;

3.6 What is the name of the hall on the fourth floor which used for summits?

a) Grand Central Hall;

b) Oval Hall;

c) Dome Hall.

4 Must See Places In Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan, officially known as the Republic of Kazakhstan, is a Eurasian country located in Central Asia and Eastern Europe. Surrounded by Turkmenistan, Russia, China, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, the must see places in Kazakhstan basically comprises of rugged hills and Islamic religious sightseeings. The virgin beauty of nature surrounded by hilly terrains, meandering lakes with fresh blue-water and the thunderous sound of the cascading waterfalls, make the entire country a fascinating tourist spot. A visit to the must see places in Kazakhstan will arouse you.

The elegance of the mountains, the tranquil environment with the whistling sound of the wind and the enormous trees, create a perfect aura to relax and enjoy the solitude.

The terrains and landscapes of Kazakhstan are rare visions in other parts of the world. If you want to be a part of this heavenly sightseeing then walk into the green forests of the Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve that is cut off from the city hustle and industrial pollution. A visit to this must see place in Kazakhstan will drive you to trace and leave you enchanted.

It is home to some of the most unique plants and trees that leave a typical aroma in the forest. As for the jungle inhabitants, here you will find some of the rarest species of animals and birds like Siberian Ibex, Roe, Caspian deer, Boar, Weasel, Snow Leopard, Turkestan Lynx, Red Bear, Golden Eagle as well as Short-Toed Eagle.

Among cities you can visit the Almaty city that boasts of amazing sightseeings and natural beauty. Situated in the northern part of Tian-Shan Mountains, Alamaty is basically famous for its apples. A must see place in Kazakhstan, at Almaty you can have a nice time roaming around the valleys and the nearby terrains. Cultural spots like The Museum of Folk Music Instrument, the A. Kasteev State Museum of Fine Arts, the Central State Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan and many more showcase the cultural and traditional history of the place.

You can even have an exciting time at Medeo, the biggest skating rink. You will be charmed by the pleasing view from Medeo. The snowcapped mountains that blazes in the sun, the alpine forests of Tian-sian and the cool breeze are captivating.

If you wish to peep into the heritage and history of the country, then visit cities like Taraz and Turkestan that are renowned for their Mausoleums and Muslim pilgrimage respectively. Taraz, which is considered to be one of the must see places in Kazakhstan is dotted with various architectural monuments and artifacts like Karakhan Mausoleum, Dauitbek Mausoleum, Babadzha-hatun Mausoleum and Aisha-Bibi Mausoleum. Turkestan that is often frequented by local Muslims as well as those from abroad is home to the Khodja Akhmed Yasaui Mausoleum, which is a Muslim Pilgrimage site.

Over the years, the place has gained great popularity among the non-Muslims for its surrounding environment as well as the brilliant architecture. Apart from all these, you can also visit Buarabai, Astana and various other cities and districts to unwind the hidden secrets of Kazakhstan.

Weather

Kazakhstan has hot summers and cold winters. During the hottest months of July and August, the average daily temperature can go up to high 20°Cs, especially in Astana and Almaty. On the other hand, during the winter, especially in the months of November to March, temperatures may go down drastically. Frosty mornings are quite common then. Lands are also get covered by snow.

Transportation

Air: If you are coming down from overseas, you can come down to Astana International Airport (TSE) and Almaty International Airport (ALA). Flights are available from a number of Asian and European destinations like Dubai, Moscow, Beijing, Delhi, Istanbul, Bangkok, Seoul, Amsterdam, Frankfurt and London.

Train: You can reach Almaty by train from Moscow, Novosibirsk. Train is also the most popular mode of transportation to move around various places within the country.

Bus: You can reach Kazakhstan by bus from Bishkek. Within the country, you can move between places to places by buses, though those are pretty crowded.

4.1 Write complete answers to these questions:

a) What can you tell about the must see places in Kazakhstan?

b) How can you describe the weather and climate in Kazakhstan?

c) What can you tell about Turkistan?

4.2 Which of these places is home to some of the most unique plants and trees, the rarest species of animals and birds?

a) Tian-Shan;

b) Aksu-Zhabagly;

c) Almaty;

4.3 Almaty is basically famous for its apples. Find a synonym for word “famous”:

a) illustrious;

b) notorious;

c) inglorious;

4.4 Where the biggest skating ring situated?

a) Pamir mountains;

b) Altay mountains;

c) Tian-Shan mountains;

4.5 Find the cities that are famous for mediaeval Islamic architecture, art and heritage:

a) Taraz and Almaty;

b) Turkestan and Taraz;

c) Turkestan and Almaty;

4.6 Which of the following sentences are true and which of them are false?

a) Train isn’t the most popular mode of transportation in country.

b) Buses often are quite crowded.

c) In Kazakhstan winter lasts many more months than summer.

d) Aisha-Bibi Mausoleum situated in Turkestan.

e) The best time to Visit Kazakhstan is the time from May to September.