Zhezkazgan: The Heart of the Kazakh Steppe

• HelloСәлем
  [Salem]
• GoodbyeЖақсы көріңіз
  [Jaqsy köriniz]
• YesИя
  [Iya]
• NoЖоқ
  [Joq]
• Please/You're welcomeРахмет
  [Rahmet]
• Thank youРахмет сізге
  [Rahmet sizge]
• Excuse me/SorryКешіріңіз
  [Keshiriniz]
• How are you?Қалайсыз ба?
  [Qalaisyz ba?]
• Fine. And you?Жақсым. Сіздімен және?
  [Jaqsym. Sizdimen jane?]
• Do you speak English?Сіз ағылшынша сөйлейсіз бе?
  [Siz ağılşınşa söyleisiz be?]
• I don't understandМен түсінбеймін
  [Men týsinbeymin]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseМенюмен танысу керек
  [Menymen tanysu kerek]
• I don't eat meatМен мясо тінемін
  [Men myaso tinemin]
• Cheers!Түнекті құттықтау!
  [Týnekti quttıqtaw]
• I would like to pay, pleaseТөлеуге болады
  [Tóleuge bolady]

• Help!Көмек!
  [Kómek!]
• Go away!Ауыр жерге барыңыз!
  [Awır jerge barınız!]
• Call the Police!Полицияға қоңырау шақырыңыз!
  [Politsiyaǵa qońıraw shaqırınız!]
• Call a doctor!Дәрігерге қоңырау шақырыңыз!
  [Därigerge qońıraw shaqırınız!]
• I'm lostМен алуанмын
  [Men aluanmın]
• I'm illМен аурулымын
  [Men awrulımın]

• I'd like to buy...Сатып алғым келеді...
  [Satyp alǵım keledi...]
• I'm just lookingТек көріп тұрмын
  [Tek körip túrmın]
• How much is it?Бұл канша?
  [Bul qansha?]
• That's too expensiveОл тым де арзан
  [Ol tım de arzan]
• Can you lower the price?Бағаны төменге алуға болмайды ма?
  [Bağany tómenge aluǵa bolmaydy ma?]

• What time is it?Күні күші екі?
  [Kúni kúşi eki?]
• It's one o'clockБірде бір
  [Birde bir]
• Half past (10)Он бесімнің жартасы
  [On besimniń jartasy]
• MorningТаң
  [Tań]
• AfternoonКеш
  [Keş]
• EveningКешкі
  [Keşki]
• YesterdayКеше
  [Keşe]
• TodayБүгін
  [Búgin]
• TomorrowЕртең
  [Erteń]
• 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 ба (картада)?
  [Menińge körsete alasız ba (kartada)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Келесі (автобус) күшінде?
  [Kelesi (avtobus) kúşinde?]
• A ticket (to ....)Билет (....-ға)
  [Bilet (....-ğa)]

The region around Zhezkazgan has been inhabited since ancient times, with evidence of early human settlements dating back to the Bronze Age. Archaeological finds suggest that the area was part of the vast steppe cultures that thrived in Central Asia, known for their skills in metallurgy and horse breeding.

During the medieval period, Zhezkazgan was strategically located along the Silk Road, the ancient network of trade routes connecting the East and West. This brought a mix of cultures, goods, and ideas to the region, making it a melting pot of different civilizations.

The modern history of Zhezkazgan began in the early 20th century, when significant deposits of copper were discovered in the region. This led to the establishment of mining operations and the foundation of the town in 1938. The mining industry became the backbone of the local economy, attracting workers from across the Soviet Union.

During World War II, Zhezkazgan played a crucial role in the Soviet war effort by supplying copper and other essential minerals. The town saw rapid industrial growth during this period, which continued into the post-war era, further solidifying its importance as a mining hub.

Under Soviet rule, Zhezkazgan continued to expand, with significant investments in infrastructure and housing. The city became a symbol of Soviet industrial prowess, with numerous factories and plants being established. The population grew rapidly, and Zhezkazgan became a cosmopolitan center with a diverse workforce.

Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Zhezkazgan, like many other cities in Kazakhstan, faced economic challenges. The transition to a market economy led to the privatization of many state-owned enterprises, resulting in economic restructuring and social changes. Despite these challenges, the city has continued to develop, adapting to the new economic realities.

Today, Zhezkazgan is a vibrant city that celebrates its rich cultural heritage. The city hosts various cultural festivals and events that reflect its diverse history, such as the annual Copper Festival, which pays homage to its mining roots. Modern Zhezkazgan is also home to museums, theaters, and historical monuments that offer a glimpse into its past and present.

Zhezkazgan is located in the Karaganda Region of Kazakhstan. The nearest airport is Zhezkazgan Airport (DZN), which offers domestic flights, primarily from Nur-Sultan and Almaty. Alternatively, you can take a train from major cities like Nur-Sultan or Almaty; the train journey offers a scenic view of the Kazakh steppes. Buses and taxis are also available from nearby cities and can be a convenient option for reaching Zhezkazgan.

Zhezkazgan has a limited public transport system, with buses and minibuses (marshrutkas) operating within the city. Taxis are readily available and are a convenient way to get around. Renting a car is also an option for those who prefer to explore at their own pace. Walking is feasible for short distances, especially in the city center where many attractions are located.

The official currency in Kazakhstan is the Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT). Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available throughout Zhezkazgan, but it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash in larger cities before traveling to ensure you have enough funds.

Zhezkazgan is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar 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 112 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Zhezkazgan. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes when entering mosques and cover your head if required. 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 and a smile. A slight 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 Zhezkazgan 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 Zhezkazgan Historical and Archaeological Museum for a deeper understanding of the region's heritage. For a unique experience, take a trip to the nearby Ulytau Mountains, which offer stunning natural landscapes and historical significance.