Atyrau: The Jewel of the Caspian Sea

• HelloСәлем
  [Salem]
• GoodbyeЖақсы көріңіз
  [Jaqsy körińiz]
• YesИя
  [Iya]
• NoЖоқ
  [Joq]
• Please/You're welcomeРақмет
  [Raqmet]
• Thank youРақмет сізге
  [Raqmet sizge]
• Excuse me/SorryКешіріңіз
  [Keshirińiz]
• How are you?Сіздің денсаулығыңыз қалай?
  [Sizdiń densaulyǵyńyz qalai?]
• Fine. And you?Жақсымын. Сіз?
  [Jaqsymın. Siz?]
• Do you speak English?Сіз ағылшын тілінде сөйлейсіз бе?
  [Siz ağılşın tilinde söylesiz be?]
• I don't understandМен түсінбедім
  [Men tüsinbedim]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseМенюді қарау керек, рахмет
  [Menüdi qaraw kerek, rahmet]
• I don't eat meatМен майықтарды жемін
  [Men mayıqtardy jemin]
• Cheers!Бұл сізге!
  [Bul sizge!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseТапсырыс беру керек, рахмет
  [Tabsırys berw kerek, rahmet]

• Help!Көмек!
  [Kömek!]
• Go away!Ауыр болыңыз!
  [Awır bolıńız!]
• Call the Police!Полицияға қоңырау шақырыңыз!
  [Politsıyağa qoñaıraw şaqırıńız!]
• Call a doctor!Дәрігер шақырыңыз!
  [Däriger şaqırıńız!]
• I'm lostМен айықпын
  [Men aıqpın]
• I'm illМен аурулымын
  [Men awrulımın]

• I'd like to buy...Сатып алғым келеді...
  [Satıp algım keledi...]
• I'm just lookingТек көремін
  [Tek köremin]
• How much is it?Ол канша?
  [Ol qanşa?]
• That's too expensiveОл тым де қымбат
  [Ol tım de qımbat]
• Can you lower the price?Бағаларды төмендете аласыз бе?
  [Baǵalary tömendete alasız be?]

• What time is it?Қанша уақыт?
  [Qanşa waqıt?]
• It's one o'clockБір уақытта
  [Bir waqıtta]
• Half past (10)Оның орташа (10)
  [Onıñ ortaşa (10)]
• MorningТаң
  [Tań]
• AfternoonКеш
  [Keş]
• EveningКеш
  [Keş]
• YesterdayКеше
  [Keşe]
• TodayБүгін
  [Bugin]
• TomorrowЕртең
  [Erteń]
• 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 қандай?
  [Meken-jayı qanday?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?(картада) көрсете аласыз бе?
  [(kartada) körsete alasız be?]
• When's the next (bus)?Келесі (автобус) не уақытта?
  [Kelesi (awtobus) ne waqıtta?]
• A ticket (to ....)Билет (...ға)
  [Bilet (...ğa)]

Atyrau, located at the confluence of the Ural and the Caspian Sea, has been a significant site since ancient times. Archaeological findings suggest that the area was inhabited by Scythian tribes as early as the 6th century BCE. These early inhabitants were known for their skills in horseback riding and metalwork.

In the 13th century, the Mongol Empire under Genghis Khan expanded its reach to the area now known as Atyrau. This period saw significant upheaval, with local tribes being absorbed into the vast Mongol Empire. The invasion brought about changes in the local social structure and introduced new administrative practices.

In 1640, Mikhailo Guryev, a Russian merchant, founded the town of Guryev on the site of present-day Atyrau. This marked the beginning of Russian influence in the region. The settlement was primarily focused on fishing and trade, taking advantage of its strategic location along the Ural River.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, Guryev became an important outpost of the Russian Empire. The city served as a crucial link in the trade routes connecting Central Asia with Europe. The construction of fortresses and the establishment of administrative centers marked this era, as the Russian Empire sought to consolidate its control over the region.

In the 20th century, Atyrau, then known as Guryev, became part of the Soviet Union. The Soviets initiated significant industrial development, particularly in the oil and gas sectors. The discovery of large oil reserves in the region led to rapid urbanization and economic growth. During World War II, the city played a vital role in supplying fuel to the Soviet military.

Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, Atyrau became part of an independent Kazakhstan. The city underwent substantial transformation as it adapted to a market economy. The oil industry continued to be a major driver of growth, attracting international investment and leading to the development of modern infrastructure.

Atyrau boasts a rich cultural heritage, reflecting its diverse history. The city is home to several museums, including the Atyrau Regional Museum of History and Local Lore, which showcases artifacts from different eras of the city's past. Traditional Kazakh culture is also celebrated through various festivals and events, preserving the unique customs and traditions of the region.

Atyrau is located in western Kazakhstan and is accessible by various modes of transportation. The nearest international airport is Atyrau International Airport (GUW), which has direct flights from major cities such as Almaty, Astana, Moscow, and Istanbul. From the airport, you can take a taxi or arrange for a hotel shuttle to reach the city center. Additionally, Atyrau is well-connected by rail, with trains coming from various parts of Kazakhstan and Russia. Long-distance buses also operate between Atyrau and other major cities in Kazakhstan.

Atyrau has a range of transportation options for getting around the city. Taxis are widely available and can be hailed on the street or booked via ride-hailing apps. Public buses and minibuses (marshrutkas) are also common and cover most areas of the city. For a more private and flexible option, car rental services are available at the airport and in the city center. Biking is another option for getting around, especially during the warmer months.

The official currency in Kazakhstan is the Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are readily available throughout Atyrau, and you can withdraw cash using international credit or debit cards. Currency exchange services are also available at banks and exchange offices in the city.

Atyrau is generally a safe city for tourists, but it is always wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas, and be cautious of your surroundings in crowded places like markets and public transportation. Areas with higher crime rates targeting tourists include the outskirts of the city and some remote neighborhoods. Always keep your belongings secure and be cautious when using ATMs at night.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which connects you to police, medical, and fire services. Atyrau has several hospitals and clinics that can provide medical care. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available throughout the city for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications. The local police station can help with lost or stolen items and other legal matters.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes and cover your head when entering mosques. Public Transport: Do be respectful and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a firm handshake. A slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Atyrau like a local, visit the local bazaars where you can find fresh produce and traditional Kazakh goods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Ural River, which divides Europe and Asia, providing a unique geographical highlight. For a unique dining experience, try the local delicacies such as beshbarmak and kazy at traditional Kazakh restaurants.