Astana City: The Heart of Nur-Sultan

• HelloСәлем
  [Salem]
• GoodbyeҚош келдіңіз
  [Qosh keldiniz]
• YesИя
  [Iya]
• NoЖоқ
  [Joq]
• Please/You're welcomeРахмет
  [Rahmet]
• Thank youРахмет сізге
  [Rahmet sizge]
• Excuse me/SorryКешіріңіз
  [Keshiriniz]
• How are you?Қалайсыздар?
  [Qalaisyzdar?]
• Fine. And you?Жақсым. Сіз кім?
  [Jaqsym. Siz kim?]
• Do you speak English?Сіз ағылшынша сөйлейсіз бе?
  [Siz agylshynsha soylesiz be?]
• I don't understandМен түсінбеймін
  [Men tusinbeymin]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseМенюмен танысу керек
  [Menyumem tanysu kerek]
• I don't eat meatМен қасап тамақтамын
  [Men qasap tamaktamyn]
• Cheers!Тамшы!
  [Tamshy]
• I would like to pay, pleaseТөлеу керек
  [Toleu kerek]

• Help!Көмек!
  [Komek!]
• Go away!Ауыр!
  [Awr!]
• Call the Police!Полицияға қоңырау шақыру
  [Politsiyaga qonyrau shaqyru]
• Call a doctor!Дәрігерге қоңырау шақыру
  [Daregerge qonyrau shaqyru]
• I'm lostМен алдым
  [Men aldym]
• I'm illМен аурушымын
  [Men aurushymyn]

• I'd like to buy...Сатып алу керек
  [Satyp alu kerek]
• I'm just lookingКөріп тұрмын
  [Korip turmyn]
• How much is it?Бұл канша?
  [Bul kansha?]
• That's too expensiveОл тым де арзан
  [Ol tym de arzan]
• Can you lower the price?Бағаны төмендете ме?
  [Bagany tomdete me?]

• What time is it?Ұшқыш неше уақыт
  [Ushqysh neshe uaqyt]
• It's one o'clockБір жақ
  [Bir zhaq]
• Half past (10)Онға жеткенді
  [Ongha jetkendi]
• MorningТаң
  [Tan]
• AfternoonКеш
  [Kesh]
• EveningКешкі
  [Keshki]
• YesterdayКеше
  [Keshe]
• TodayБүгін
  [Bugyn]
• TomorrowЕртең
  [Erten]
• 1Бір
  [Bir]
• 2Екі
  [Eki]
• 3Үш
  [Ush]
• 4Төрт
  [Tort]
• 5Бес
  [Bes]
• 6Алты
  [Alty]
• 7Жеті
  [Jeti]
• 8Сегіз
  [Segiz]
• 9Тоғыз
  [Toghyz]
• 10Он
  [On]

• Where's a/the...?...қайда?
  [...Qayda?]
• What's the address?Мекен-жайдың мекенжайын айта ма?
  [Meken-zhaidyn mekenzhaiyn aita ma?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Мені көрсете аласыз бе?
  [Meni korsite alasiz be?]
• When's the next (bus)?Келесі(автобус) неше уақытта?
  [Kelesi(avtobus) neshe uaqytta?]
• A ticket (to ....)Билет (....ға)
  [Bilet (gha)]

Astana City, originally known as Akmolinsk, was established in the 1830s as a fortification for the Russian Empire. It served as a strategic military outpost, facilitating the control of the vast steppes of Central Asia. Over the decades, it evolved from a small settlement into a crucial administrative center for the region.

In 1997, following Kazakhstan's independence, President Nursultan Nazarbayev announced the relocation of the capital from Almaty to Astana. This monumental decision led to extensive urban development and the rebranding of the city as a symbol of Kazakhstan's modernization and ambition. The name 'Astana,' meaning 'capital' in Kazakh, was adopted, marking a new era in its history.

The early 2000s saw Astana undergo a remarkable transformation under the guidance of renowned architects, including Norman Foster and Kisho Kurokawa. Iconic structures such as the Bayterek Tower and the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation were constructed, embodying the city's aspirations for a modern and cosmopolitan identity while reflecting its cultural heritage and Islamic influences.

Astana's hosting of the 2017 EXPO 2017, themed 'Future Energy,' solidified its status as a global city. The event attracted millions of visitors and showcased innovative technologies and sustainable practices. The EXPO site, now known as the 'Astana EXPO 2017' complex, has become a landmark and a center for international cooperation in energy and environmental issues.

Astana City is home to a diverse population, representing various ethnicities and cultures. This multicultural environment is celebrated through numerous festivals, art exhibitions, and cultural events, such as the Astana Day, which showcases the city's vibrant traditions and contemporary arts. The city also hosts significant religious and cultural sites, reflecting the rich tapestry of Kazakhstan's heritage.

Astana City is well-connected to other neighbourhoods in Nur-Sultan. The primary mode of transport is the public bus system, which has numerous routes serving the area. Buses run frequently and are an economical option for getting around the city. Taxis are also widely available and can be hailed on the street or booked via mobile apps. The Nur-Sultan International Airport is approximately 15 km from Astana City, and airport shuttles to the city center operate regularly.

Astana City is accessible via an efficient public transport system, including buses and the light rail transit (LRT) system. The LRT is a convenient way to navigate key areas in the city. Bicycles can be rented from various bike-sharing services for a more eco-friendly option. Walking is also a pleasant way to explore the scenic boulevards and parks in Astana City, especially in the warmer months.

Astana City is generally safe for tourists, but it is advisable to remain vigilant in crowded areas and avoid displaying valuable items. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is recommended to stay away from poorly lit streets at night. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, can occur, particularly in busy markets and public transport.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police or medical assistance. The local hospitals and clinics are equipped to handle emergencies. Always ensure you have travel insurance that covers health emergencies. Pharmacies are widely available for minor ailments, and staff often speak basic English.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in religious sites. Avoid overly casual attire. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove shoes when entering mosques or places of worship. Public Transport: Do offer your seat to the elderly or disabled. Don't talk loudly or eat while on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a firm handshake, and use both hands when offering or receiving something. Eating & Drinking: Do try traditional Kazakh dishes and accept invitations to share a meal. Don't waste food, as it is considered rude.

To experience Astana City like a local, visit the Bayterek Tower for panoramic views of the city, and take a stroll through the lush parks surrounding the Khan Shatyr entertainment center. Engage with locals at cafes and restaurants to learn about Kazakh culture and traditions. For a unique shopping experience, explore the local bazaars for traditional crafts and food. Make sure to try 'beshbarmak', a traditional Kazakh dish, at a local eatery.