Naveed Ahmad Khan
A Pakistani national signifies Islamabad with Faisal Masjid, the same happens with the symbol of the modern capital of Kazakhstan when you see Baiterek Tower. It is the perfect place to start your tour around the city. The monument symbolizes the idea of the Kazakh people related to the structure of the universe.
It was my long-time cherished dream to visit Astana and see the Baiterek Tower, and recently I got the opportunity to visit Astana and see this marvelous tower. The construction of the tower is highly impressive and attracts visitors to experience the pinnacle of art. It is in the center of the city and offers a panoramic view of the city from the top of the Baiterek Tower to visitors which is another unique experience. The Baiterek Tower- standing tall as a symbol of Kazakhstan’s modernity and ambition, this architectural marvel offers visitors a breathtaking journey into the heart of Astana’s vibrant spirit and rich cultural heritage. The visitors can explore the allure and significance of this towering monument, a beacon of innovation and pride for the nation.
According to experts, Baiterek is the tree of life, the destination of the sacred bird, Samruk. The height of the tower is 105 meters. At 97 meters in height, there is an observatory – a platform that allows you to see the city from a bird’s view. Baiterek monument is one of the most recognizable monuments of the capital of Kazakhstan. The idea of erecting the monument belongs to the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan – Nursultan Nazarbayev. The idea of building the monument arose from N. Nazarbayev on Board the presidential plane, during the flight. The plan of the futuristic structure was depicted on a paper napkin. The monument itself contains a deep philosophical meaning that interprets the views of ancient nomads.
There is a myth associated with the place that visitors to the monument do believe that if you make a wish while putting your hand in the print, it will certainly come true. Baiterek is a symbol of independent Kazakhstan, the main attraction of the capital of Kazakhstan. In this regard, the flow of people wishing to visit Baiterek does not decrease, and queues continue to pile up. With a smart card known as “Astana PASS”, you make the queue at the checkout, but unfortunately, visitors need to wait in the queues for their turn.
The construction took place under the supervision of domestic architects B. Islamov and A. Rustembekov. Gathering a talented team of designers, engineers, and designers, they erected a magnificent structure that became not only a symbol of the capital but also of the entire country. The construction of the Baiterek monument took 6 years and lasted from 1996 to 2002.
Immediately after the opening, the monument “Astana-Baiterek” was awarded the prestigious Grand Prix award in a competition organized by the International Association of the Union of Architects (MASA) of the CIS countries. Inside, the monument is divided into three zones, which corresponds to the idea of the Tree of Life, which represents the Universe. On the first, so-called underground level, there are aquariums, cafes, and an exhibition gallery, which presents art objects of talented Kazakh artists.
The second level, called the ground level, is a tower, inside which the high-speed elevators keep moving. The third level is called the sky, this is the glass ball itself, which offers tourists a panoramic view of the beauty of the young capital. The monument “Astana-Baiterek” is not only an architectural monument or a high-class engineering structure, it is the embodiment of the ideology of the entire state, which is proud of its past, frozen in the roots of the Tree, values its present, which has become a solid support for the future, to which Kazakhstan is taking a firm and confident step.
The Baiterek monument is one of the main attractions of the capital that every tourist should visit, so every day many tourists climb to the top of the monument, sometimes creating queues to buy tickets. On average, about 500 thousand tourists visit Baiterek every year. Visiting Baiterek Tower offers you more than just a panoramic view of the city; it’s an opportunity to delve into Kazakhstan’s rich cultural heritage and its vision for the future. Take a stroll around the tower’s base, where you will find sculptures and exhibits showcasing the country’s history and traditions. The monument created everything for a comfortable stay, along with an amazing atmosphere and magnificent views of the capital, for guests, there are cozy cafes and bars, a shop with Souvenirs, and polite staff who are always ready to help you.
Summarizing this introduction to the iconic landmark – the Baiterek Tower, I would like to state that the Tower stands as a symbol of Kazakhstan’s modernity and ambition. Its unique design, inspired by a Kazakh legend, represents a mythical tree of life, with a golden orb at its crown symbolizing the aspirations of the Kazakh people.