Almaty, Kazakhstan: A City of Natural Beauty and Cultural Significance
Located in the mountains of Southern Kazakhstan near the border with Kyrgyzstan, Almaty is the largest city in Kazakhstan, with a population of over 2.1 million people. It is a significant business and cultural center, home to many financial institutions and the country’s stock exchange. Although it is no longer the capital, it is still referred to as the Southern Capital due to its economic, social, and cultural impact.
City Life and Attractions
Almaty has a resort-like atmosphere with walkable and bike-friendly areas, featuring sidewalk cafes, street artists, and fountains. The city has a college town vibe with several universities and a symbol of an apple, which is also a famous local product. However, the city’s apple orchards are declining due to residential development, with about 70% already disappeared, upsetting local residents. The city is crowded with heavy traffic, but its location surrounded by mountains makes it a unique and gorgeous place to visit.
Some of the city’s notable attractions include:
- A TV tower with panoramic city views
- A small amusement park
- Restaurants
- A zoo
- A Beatles Monument
- The world’s highest mountain Sports Complex, with a large ice rink where numerous world records have been set
Nature and Outdoor Activities
Almaty is surrounded by beautiful natural spots, including:
- The mountains, which offer gorgeous views and can be accessed by a cable car to City Park, providing panoramic views of the city from a height of 1130 meters above sea level
- The Shimbulak ski resort, the largest in Central Asia, which has a mild climate and plenty of sunny days
- Big Almaty Lake, located 2500 meters above sea level, which changes color from pale green to dark turquoise depending on the weather
- Alma Lake, which offers a relaxing experience with minimal people and abundant nature, although getting there can be challenging due to a closed road
- The Assi plateau and a nearby beach called Captchigai, which has cafes, hotels, and water attractions
- A popular artificial body of water near Almaty, which is a great spot for swimming and fishing
- The Canyon, stretching 50 kilometers, which features 12 million-year-old red sedimentary rocks resembling the Grand Canyon
- Incredible mountain lakes, including Kinder Lake and the Colesi Lakes, which offer opportunities for walking, boating, and camping amidst beautiful scenery
Culture and Cuisine
Almaty has a unique culture, with affordable accommodations and meals, and offers access to beautiful natural spots. The city has a fantastic selection of food options, including Korean restaurants due to the Korean population deported by Stalin. Local cuisine can be tried at Sandik restaurant, which offers traditional dishes like shubat, a dairy product made from camel milk, and small pies with meat and spicy sauce.
Challenges and Solutions
Almaty faces several challenges, including:
- Severe air pollution, mainly caused by motor vehicles, which account for 65% of total emissions
- Earthquakes and mudslides
- High real estate prices
However, the city also has several advantages, including a good economy, nice views, green areas, and a mild climate. A possible solution to the air pollution problem is switching to electric vehicles and public transportation.
Language and Politics
In Kazakhstan, many Kazaks are upset that Russian speakers don’t try to learn Kazakh, despite Russians making up 25% of the city’s population. The country is undergoing derussification, with the alphabet being translated into Latin. The influx of skilled Russian professionals fleeing Putin’s war in Ukraine has contributed to the local economy but also raised rent prices, causing mixed feelings among locals.
History and Architecture
Almaty city was built at the beginning of the 20th century and survived a devastating earthquake in 1911. The city features notable sites such as the Bay Opera House, Kazakh State Academic Theater, and New Alma-Ata Theater, which host various performances and events. Other attractions include the Central Mosque and Republic Square, also known as Independence Square, which has been the site of significant protests, including the Jeltoksan protests in 1986 and the January 2022 protests. The city is also home to the Ascension Cathedral, one of the tallest wooden churches in the world.
Key Vocabulary
| Term | Definition | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Derussification | The process of removing Russian influence from a region or country, often involving the adoption of a new alphabet or language. | Kazakhstan is undergoing derussification, with the alphabet being translated into Latin. |
| Shubat | A traditional Kazakh dairy product made from camel milk. | You can try shubat at Sandik restaurant in Almaty, which offers traditional Kazakh dishes. |
| Resort-like atmosphere | A description of a place that has a relaxed and pleasant environment, often associated with vacation or leisure activities. | Almaty has a resort-like atmosphere, with walkable and bike-friendly areas, featuring sidewalk cafes and street artists. |
| Sedimentary rocks | Rocks formed from the accumulation and compression of sediments, such as sand, silt, or clay. | The Canyon near Almaty features 12 million-year-old red sedimentary rocks resembling the Grand Canyon. |
| Severe air pollution | A high level of air pollution that can cause harm to human health and the environment. | Almaty faces severe air pollution, mainly caused by motor vehicles, which account for 65% of total emissions. |
| Derussification policies | Policies aimed at reducing Russian influence in a region or country, often involving language and cultural changes. | Kazakhstan’s derussification policies include translating the alphabet into Latin and promoting the use of the Kazakh language. |
| Electric vehicles | Vehicles powered by electricity, often considered a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. | Switching to electric vehicles could help reduce air pollution in Almaty, which is mainly caused by motor vehicles. |
| Public transportation | A system of transportation that is available to the general public, often including buses, trains, and subways. | Improving public transportation in Almaty could help reduce traffic congestion and air pollution. |
| Mountain Sports Complex | A facility that offers various sports and recreational activities, often located in a mountainous area. | The world’s highest mountain Sports Complex is located in Almaty, featuring a large ice rink where numerous world records have been set. |
| Big Almaty Lake | A lake located in the mountains near Almaty, known for its changing colors and natural beauty. | Big Almaty Lake is a popular tourist destination, offering stunning views and a unique experience. |
| Assi plateau | A plateau located near Almaty, offering scenic views and recreational activities. | The Assi plateau is a great spot for hiking and picnicking, with its stunning views and natural beauty. |
Watch The Video
Vocabulary Quiz
1. What does the term “derussification” mean in the context of Kazakhstan?
A) The process of adopting Russian language and culture
B) The increase in Russian speakers in the city
C) The translation of the alphabet into Latin and reduction of Russian influence
D) The construction of Russian-style buildings in Almaty
2. Which of the following is a challenge faced by the city of Almaty?
A) Over-reliance on electric vehicles
B) Severe air pollution, mainly caused by motor vehicles
C) Lack of natural beauty spots
D) Insufficient financial institutions
3. What is the name of the dairy product made from camel milk mentioned in the text?
A) Shashlik
B) Beshbarmak
C) Shubat
D) Kuyrdak
4. What is unique about the Ascension Cathedral in Almaty?
A) It is the largest mosque in Kazakhstan
B) It is one of the tallest wooden churches in the world
C) It is a symbol of the city’s apple production
D) It is a popular spot for skiing
5. What is the name of the lake that changes color from pale green to dark turquoise depending on the weather?
A) Big Almaty Lake
B) Alma Lake
C) Kinder Lake
D) Colesi Lakes
Answer Key:
1. C
2. B
3. C
4. B
5. A
Grammar Focus
Grammar Focus: Using the Present Perfect Continuous Tense to Describe Ongoing Situations
Grammar Quiz:
1. The population of Almaty ________ rapidly over the past few decades due to its economic and cultural significance.
- A) has been decreasing
- B) is decreasing
- C) has been increasing
- D) was increasing
2. By the time the new public transportation system is implemented, the city ________ on it for over five years.
- A) will have been working
- B) has been working
- C) is working
- D) works
3. The residents of Almaty ________ about the decline of the city’s apple orchards for years.
- A) have been complaining
- B) are complaining
- C) complain
- D) complained
4. The government ________ efforts to reduce air pollution in the city since the problem was first identified.
- A) has made
- B) makes
- C) is making
- D) has been making
5. The city’s economy ________ significantly from the influx of skilled professionals from neighboring countries.
- A) has benefited
- B) benefits
- C) is benefiting
- D) has been benefiting
Answer Key:
1. C) has been increasing
2. A) will have been working
3. A) have been complaining
4. D) has been making
5. D) has been benefiting