Timeless Allure of Old Town, Nur-Sultan

• HelloСәлем
  [Salem]
• GoodbyeҚош келдіңіз
  [Qoş keldiniz]
• YesИя
  [Iya]
• NoЖоқ
  [Joq]
• Please/You're welcomeРахмет
  [Rahmet]
• Thank youРахмет
  [Rahmet]
• Excuse me/SorryКешіріңіз
  [Keshiriniz]
• How are you?Сіздің денсізбе?
  [Sizdin densizbe?]
• Fine. And you?Жақсым. Сізді?
  [Jaqsım. Sizdi?]
• Do you speak English?Сіз ағылшынша сөйлейсіз пе?
  [Siz ağılşınşa söylesiz pe?]
• I don't understandМен түсінбеймін
  [Men tüsinbeymin]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseМенюді қарауға болады, рахмет
  [Menüdı qarawğa bolady, rahmet]
• I don't eat meatМен қасымды жеу жоқпын
  [Men qasymdı jev joqpın]
• Cheers!Тәртіп!
  [Tärtip!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseТөлеуге болады, рахмет
  [Tölewge bolady, rahmet]

• Help!Жарық!
  [Jarıq!]
• Go away!Ауыржыңыз
  [Awırjınız]
• Call the Police!Полицияға қоңырау шақырыңыз
  [Politsuğa qoñıraw shaqırınız]
• Call a doctor!Докторға қоңырау шақырыңыз
  [Doktorğa qoñıraw shaqırınız]
• I'm lostМен кетіп кеттім
  [Men ketip kettim]
• I'm illМен ауырмын
  [Men awırmin]

• I'd like to buy......сатып алғым келеді
  [...satıp algım keledi]
• I'm just lookingМен тек көремін
  [Men tek köremin]
• How much is it?Ол канша?
  [Ol kanşa?]
• That's too expensiveОл тым дорын
  [Ol tım dorın]
• Can you lower the price?Бағаны төмендетесіз бе?
  [Bağanı tömendesiz be?]

• What time is it?Саған не уақыт?
  [Sagan ne waqıt?]
• It's one o'clockБір уақыт
  [Bir waqıt]
• Half past (10)Онда жарым
  [Onda jarım]
• MorningТаң
  [Tañ]
• AfternoonКеш
  [Keş]
• EveningКеш
  [Keş]
• YesterdayКеше
  [Keşe]
• TodayБүгін
  [Bügin]
• 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)?Меніңғе (карта жерінде) көрсетесіз бе?
  [Meniñge (karta jerinde) körsesesiz be?]
• When's the next (bus)?Келесі (автобус) не уақытта?
  [Kelesi (avtobus) ne waqıtta?]
• A ticket (to ....)Билет (....ға)
  [Bilet (....ğa)]

Old Town, originally known as Akmolinsk, was founded in 1830 as a military outpost by the Russian Empire. Its strategic location along the Ishim River facilitated trade and provided a vital connection between the Russian territories and Central Asia. The settlement grew rapidly, attracting settlers and traders, which laid the groundwork for what would eventually evolve into Nur-Sultan.

During the Soviet era, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s, Old Town experienced significant urban development. The government implemented extensive planning initiatives that transformed the town's layout and infrastructure. This period saw the construction of residential complexes, schools, and cultural institutions, reflecting the Soviet architectural style and ideology.

Old Town is a reflection of Kazakhstan's rich cultural heritage, showcasing a mix of traditional and modern influences. The area is home to several historical buildings, including the central mosque and the regional museum, which preserve the history of the Kazakh people and their nomadic traditions. This cultural tapestry is vital for understanding the identity of Nur-Sultan and its inhabitants.

In 1997, the decision to relocate the capital from Almaty to Akmolinsk (later renamed Nur-Sultan) marked a new era for Old Town. This transition aimed to stimulate economic growth and development in the northern region of Kazakhstan. The shift brought increased investment and infrastructure improvements, transforming Old Town into a key area within the new capital.

In recent years, Old Town has undergone revitalization efforts aimed at preserving its historical character while accommodating modern needs. Urban development projects have focused on enhancing public spaces, promoting tourism, and celebrating local culture. Events and festivals in Old Town now attract visitors, contributing to the area's vibrant atmosphere and economic sustainability.

Old Town is centrally located in Nur-Sultan and is easily accessible from other neighbourhoods. If you are arriving from the city center, you can take bus routes 10, 12, or 20, which connect major areas to Old Town. For those coming from the airport, a taxi ride will take approximately 30-40 minutes depending on traffic. Alternatively, ride-sharing services like Yandex.Go can be used for a convenient option.

Old Town is compact and pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to explore on foot. Public transportation, including buses and trams, operates frequently within the area. For a more leisurely pace, consider renting a bicycle from local rental services. Taxis and ride-sharing apps are also readily available for longer distances.

Old Town is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Areas such as the outskirts of the neighborhood may have higher crime rates, so it is advisable to avoid poorly lit streets at night. Keep belongings secure and remain aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for police assistance or 103 for medical emergencies in Kazakhstan. It is advisable to have the contact information for your embassy on hand. Hospitals and clinics are available in Old Town, and pharmacies are also widespread for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress appropriately, especially when visiting religious sites; avoid overly casual or revealing attire. Religion: Do respect local customs, such as covering your head in mosques. Public Transport: Do offer your seat to elderly passengers; don't engage in loud conversations. Greetings: Do greet with a handshake; don't use overly familiar gestures. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes, especially in traditional eateries; don't waste food, as it is considered disrespectful.

To experience Old Town like a local, visit the bustling markets where you can find fresh produce and traditional crafts. Engage with local vendors, who are often happy to share stories or tips. Try to learn a few basic phrases in Kazakh or Russian, as locals appreciate the effort. Don't miss the iconic Baiterek Tower, and consider visiting during sunset for stunning views of the skyline.