Aktau: The Jewel of the Caspian Sea

• HelloСәлем
  [Salem]
• GoodbyeҚош келдіңіз/Қош келді
  [Qoş keldiniz/Qoş keldi]
• YesИя
  [Iya]
• NoЖоқ
  [Joq]
• Please/You're welcomeРахмет
  [Rahmet]
• Thank youРахмет
  [Rahmet]
• Excuse me/SorryКешіріңіз
  [Keshiriniz]
• How are you?Қалайсыз?
  [Qalaisyz?]
• Fine. And you?Жақсым. Сіз күніңіздер жақсы ма?
  [Jaqsım. Sız küninizder jaqsı ma?]
• Do you speak English?Сіз ағылшынша сөйлейсіз бе?
  [Sız ağılşınşa söylesiz be?]
• I don't understandМен түсінбеймін
  [Men tüsinbeımin]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseМен менюмен танысу қаладым
  [Men menyumem tanısу qaladım]
• I don't eat meatМен мерген тамақтан кеңесіз
  [Men mergen tamaqtan keñesiz]
• Cheers!Төңкеріктер!
  [Tönkerikter]
• I would like to pay, pleaseМен төлеуге қаламын
  [Men tölеuge qalamın]

• Help!Көмек!
  [Kömek!]
• Go away!Ауыр тұрыңыз!
  [Auyr turınız!]
• Call the Police!Полицияға қоңырау шалыныз!
  [Politsiyağa qonırau şalınız!]
• Call a doctor!Дәрігерге қоңырау шалыныз!
  [Därigerge qonırau şalınız!]
• I'm lostМен ауырландым
  [Men auyrlandım]
• I'm illМен ауру жауапкершілікке тап бардым
  [Men aurw jaуapkewshilikke tap bardım]

• I'd like to buy...Мен сатып алғым келеді...
  [Men satıp algım keledi...]
• I'm just lookingМен тек көріп тұрмын
  [Men tek körіp turmın]
• How much is it?Ол канша болады?
  [Ol kanşa boladı?]
• That's too expensiveОл тым дорын
  [Ol tım dorın]
• Can you lower the price?Сіз бағаны төмендете аласыз бе?
  [Sız bağanı tөmendete alasız be?]

• What time is it?Қанша уақыт?
  [Qanşa waqıt?]
• It's one o'clockБір уақыт
  [Bir waqıt]
• Half past (10)Ондықтын аралығы
  [Ondıqtın aralığı]
• MorningТаң
  [Tañ]
• AfternoonКеш
  [Keş]
• EveningКеш
  [Keş]
• YesterdayКеше
  [Keşe]
• TodayБүгін
  [Bugin]
• TomorrowЕртең
  [Erteñ]
• 11
  [1]
• 22
  [2]
• 33
  [3]
• 44
  [4]
• 55
  [5]
• 66
  [6]
• 77
  [7]
• 88
  [8]
• 99
  [9]
• 1010
  [10]

• Where's a/the...?...қайда?
  [...qayda?]
• What's the address?Мекен-жайы қайда?
  [Meken-jayı qayda?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Меніңге (картада) көрсете аласыз бе?
  [Meniñge (kartada) körsete alasız be?]
• When's the next (bus)?Келесі (автобус) не уақытта?
  [Kelesi (avtobus) ne waqıtta?]
• A ticket (to ....)Билет (...ға)
  [Bilet (...ğa)]

The region around Aktau has been inhabited since ancient times, with evidence of human settlements dating back to the Bronze Age. Archaeological finds suggest that nomadic tribes roamed the area, utilizing its resources and strategic location near the Caspian Sea.

Aktau's location near the Caspian Sea made it a significant waypoint on the Silk Road. Traders and caravans passed through the region, exchanging goods such as silk, spices, and precious stones. This trade route facilitated cultural exchanges and contributed to the area's historical richness.

Aktau was founded in 1961 during the Soviet era, originally known as Shevchenko, named after the Ukrainian poet Taras Shevchenko. The city was established to support the extraction of uranium and to house workers for the Mangyshlak Nuclear Power Plant, the first fast neutron reactor in the Soviet Union.

The strategic location of Aktau on the Caspian Sea facilitated the development of its port, which became a crucial transportation and logistics hub. The port of Aktau is the only seaport in Kazakhstan and it plays a significant role in maritime trade, linking Central Asia to Europe and the Middle East.

Following Kazakhstan's independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Aktau underwent significant changes. The city was renamed back to its original name, Aktau, meaning 'white mountain' in Kazakh, reflecting the local landscape. Modern Aktau has seen rapid growth, with investments in infrastructure, tourism, and energy sectors.

Aktau is home to several cultural landmarks, including the Beket-Ata Underground Mosque, a site of pilgrimage for many Kazakhs. The city also boasts a unique architectural layout, with its streets and buildings numbered rather than named, reflecting its planned Soviet origins. Cultural festivals and events celebrate the rich heritage and diverse traditions of the region.

Aktau is located on the eastern shore of the Caspian Sea in Kazakhstan. The nearest international airport is Aktau International Airport (SCO), which is about 23 kilometers from the city center. Direct flights to Aktau are available from several major cities in Europe and Asia. Alternatively, you can reach Aktau by train or bus from other parts of Kazakhstan, although this can be a lengthy journey.

Aktau has a variety of transportation options. Local buses and minibuses (marshrutkas) are the most common and affordable means of getting around the city. Taxis are also readily available and can be hailed on the street or arranged via mobile apps. For more flexibility, car rentals are an option, but be aware that driving in Kazakhstan can be challenging due to varying road conditions.

The official currency in Kazakhstan is the Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops in Aktau, but it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available throughout the city, and currency exchange services can be found in banks and exchange offices.

Aktau is generally a safe city for tourists. However, like any urban area, it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 102 for police, 103 for medical emergencies, and 101 for fire. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Aktau. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are widely available where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always ask for permission before taking photos in religious sites. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A slight nod or bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Aktau like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Kazakh goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the unique landscapes of the Mangystau region, including the underground mosque of Beket-Ata and the stunning valleys and canyons. For a unique experience, spend some time at the Caspian Sea's beaches, which are a popular spot for relaxation and socializing.