Semey: The Cultural Heartbeat of Kazakhstan

• HelloСәлем
  [Salem]
• GoodbyeҚош келдіңіз
  [Qoş keldiniz]
• YesИә
  [Iä]
• NoЖоқ
  [Joq]
• Please/You're welcomeРахмет
  [Rahmet]
• Thank youРахмет сізге
  [Rahmet sizge]
• Excuse me/SorryКешіріңіз
  [Keşiriniz]
• How are you?Кандайсыздар?
  [Qandaisyzdar?]
• Fine. And you?Жақсым. Сіздердің жағыңызды?
  [Jaqsım. Sizderdiñ jağıñızdy?]
• Do you speak English?Сіз ағылшынша сөйлейсіз бе?
  [Siz ağılşıñşa söylesiz be?]
• I don't understandМен түсінбеймін
  [Men tüsinbeymin]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseМенюмен танысу керек
  [Menyumen tanısý kerek]
• I don't eat meatМен мақта жеміс ішмеймін
  [Men maqta jemis işmeymin]
• Cheers!Бас саулық!
  [Bas saulıq!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseТөлем керек
  [Tölem kerek]

• Help!Көмек!
  [Kömek!]
• Go away!Ауыр!
  [Awır!]
• Call the Police!Полицияға қоңырау шақырыңыз!
  [Politsiığa qoñırau şaqırınız!]
• Call a doctor!Докторға қоңырау шақырыңыз!
  [Doktorğa qoñırau şaqırınız!]
• I'm lostМен абзалдым
  [Men abzaldım]
• I'm illМен аурулымын
  [Men awrulımın]

• I'd like to buy...Сатып алу керек...
  [Satıp alu kerek...]
• I'm just lookingМен тек көрінемін
  [Men tek körinemin]
• How much is it?Бұл қанша?
  [Bul qanşa?]
• That's too expensiveОл тым дорын
  [Ol tım dorın]
• Can you lower the price?Бағаны төмендете аласыз бе?
  [Bağanı tömendete alasız be?]

• What time is it?Күш күрсетіңіз бе?
  [Küş kürsetiniz be?]
• It's one o'clockБірде
  [Birde]
• Half past (10)Он бесінің жарымы
  [On besiniñ jarımı]
• MorningТаң
  [Tañ]
• AfternoonТүс
  [Tüs]
• EveningКеш
  [Keş]
• YesterdayКеше
  [Keşe]
• TodayБүгін
  [Bügın]
• TomorrowЕртең
  [Erteñ]
• 1бір
  [bir]
• 2екі
  [eki]
• 3үш
  [üş]
• 4төрт
  [tört]
• 5бес
  [bes]
• 6алты
  [altı]
• 7жеті
  [jeti]
• 8сегіз
  [segiz]
• 9тоғыз
  [toğız]
• 10он
  [on]

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

Semey, formerly known as Semipalatinsk, was founded in 1718 as a Russian fortification. The city was strategically established on the banks of the Irtysh River, serving as a defense point against the raids of nomadic tribes. The name 'Semipalatinsk' originates from the Russian term for 'Seven-Chambered City,' a reference to the ruins of a Buddhist monastery found nearby.

During the 19th century, Semey became a critical administrative and cultural center under the Russian Empire. The city's development was marked by the establishment of educational institutions, libraries, and theaters. This period also saw an influx of Russian intellectuals and political exiles, which greatly influenced the cultural landscape of the city.

The renowned Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky was exiled to Semey between 1854 and 1859. During his time in the city, Dostoevsky was involved in various cultural and intellectual activities. He worked at the local library, interacted with local intellectuals, and wrote some of his early works. His presence significantly impacted the cultural development of Semey.

The Soviet era brought significant changes to Semey, transforming it into an industrial hub. The city saw the establishment of numerous factories and industries, particularly in the sectors of textiles, machinery, and food production. Additionally, the construction of the Turkestan-Siberia Railway in the 1930s further boosted the city's economic growth and connectivity.

One of the most notable and tragic chapters in Semey's history is its proximity to the Semipalatinsk Test Site, also known as 'The Polygon.' Established in 1949, this was the primary nuclear testing site for the Soviet Union. Over 450 nuclear tests were conducted here until its closure in 1989. The tests had devastating effects on the local population and environment, leading to long-term health issues and ecological damage.

Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, Semey, like many other cities in Kazakhstan, faced economic challenges. The transition to a market economy led to industrial decline and unemployment. However, the city has been gradually recovering, with efforts to promote tourism and preserve its historical and cultural heritage.

Semey is home to various cultural and educational institutions that reflect its rich history. The Abai Museum, dedicated to the famous Kazakh poet Abai Kunanbayev, and the Dostoevsky Museum are prominent cultural landmarks. The city also hosts several theaters, libraries, and universities, contributing to its reputation as a center of learning and culture in Kazakhstan.

Today, Semey is a blend of historical charm and modern development. The city is actively working to overcome its past challenges, focusing on sustainable development and improving the quality of life for its residents. Efforts are being made to attract tourists by highlighting its historical sites, cultural institutions, and natural beauty, including the scenic Irtysh River.

Semey is located in the northeastern part of Kazakhstan. The nearest major airport is Semey International Airport (SZI), which has domestic flights from major cities like Almaty and Nur-Sultan. Alternatively, you can take a train from Almaty or Nur-Sultan to Semey Railway Station. The train journey offers scenic views of the Kazakh steppe and takes approximately 18-20 hours. Buses and shared taxis are also available from other cities, although the journey can be long and less comfortable.

Within Semey, public transportation options include buses and minibuses (marshrutkas), which are frequent and inexpensive. Taxis are readily available, and ride-hailing apps like Yandex.Taxi can be used for convenience. Renting a car is also an option, but be aware that driving standards may differ from what you are accustomed to. Bicycles and walking are good choices for exploring the city center.

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

Semey is generally a safe city for tourists. However, it is wise to take standard precautions such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Areas to be particularly cautious in include the outskirts of the city and isolated neighborhoods at night. Petty crime like pickpocketing can occur, so stay vigilant.

In case of emergency, dial 102 for police, 103 for an ambulance, and 101 for fire services. The main hospital in Semey is the Semey Medical University Hospital, which offers emergency medical services. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies (аптека) are available throughout the city.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting mosques or churches, dress modestly and follow any specific guidelines such as removing shoes or covering your head. Public Transport: Do be considerate and offer 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 is also respectful. Eating & Drinking: Do try local cuisine and accept food and drink offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it can be seen as impolite.

To experience Semey like a local, visit the Semey Central Market where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Kazakh goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and eager to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don’t miss visiting the Abai Museum and the Dostoevsky Museum to gain insights into the local literary heritage. For a unique experience, take a walk along the Irtysh River and enjoy the picturesque views.