Description of the attraction
The Baiterek monument in Astana is not only one of the main attractions of the city, but also a visiting card of the renewed Kazakhstan. The national monument is located on the left bank of the Ishim River, in the very center of the city, opposite the Presidential Palace. "Baiterek" means a strong, young growing tree, symbolizing a state that was able to preserve its historical roots and has a strong support and aspiration for further prosperity.
The initiator of the creation of the monument was the President of the country Nursultan Nazarbayev. The construction of the monument was completed in July 2001. Akmurz Rustembeko became the architect of this project.
The structure is made of glass and concrete. A massive metal structure with a height of 105 m, weighing more than 1000 tons stands on 500 piles and holds a huge ball 22 meters in diameter and weighing 300 tons, consisting of chameleon glasses that change color in the sun.
Visitors, ascending in panoramic high-speed elevators to spacious viewing rooms in a shining glass "ball", have the opportunity to look from a "bird's eye view" at the large-scale transformations that have taken place and continue to take place in the young Kazakhstani capital. In the center of the bright hall there is a wooden globe with autographs of representatives of 17 religions. Also on the table near the globe is the composition "Ayaly Alakan" with the print of the president's hand. There is an opinion that if you put your palm in this handprint and make a wish at the same time, then it will definitely come true.
Sightseeing tours are conducted in Russian, Kazakh and other languages. The Baiterek National Monument is located in the middle of large park areas that are regularly used for various events.
