Nur-Sultan: The City of Endless Renaming

Nur-Sultan, formerly known as Astana, Akmolinsk, Tselinograd, and various other names that no one ever bothered to memorize, is the capital of Kazakhstan. But don’t let its dreary bureaucratic status fool you - this city is full of surprises!

History

Nur-Sultan’s history is a tangle of political intrigue, colonialism, and creative name changes. The city was founded in 1830 as a fortress to protect Russian settlers from local nomadic tribes. For over a century, it was known as Akmolinsk, which sounds like a tasty dish made of potatoes and cheese, but is actually a boring old name.

In the 1950s and 60s, the Soviet government launched a massive agricultural campaign in the region, which led to the renaming of the city as Tselinograd, which means “Virgin Lands City.” Apparently, the government thought that by giving it a cool name, the city would magically transform into a bustling hub of agriculture and industry.

But the Virgin Lands didn’t exactly live up to expectations. In the 1990s, after the fall of the Soviet Union, the city was renamed once again, this time as Astana, which means “capital” in Kazakh. This name was much more functional, but lacked a certain pizazz.

Finally, in 2019, the current president of Kazakhstan decided to rename the city once again, this time in honor of himself. So now, it’s called Nur-Sultan, which means “bright ruler.” We can only imagine the amount of money it cost to change all the signs.

Attractions

Despite its multiple identities crisis, Nur-Sultan has a lot to offer visitors. The city is home to the Baiterek Tower, a giant golden sphere on top of a tower that looks like it came straight out of a sci-fi movie. It’s said that if you touch the top of the sphere, you’ll have good luck.

There’s also the Presidential Palace, which is presumably where the “bright ruler” spends his days being bright and ruling. It’s not open to the public, but you can admire it from afar and imagine what it’s like inside.

If you’re into futuristic architecture, make sure to visit the Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center, which looks like a giant tent made of glass and steel. Inside, you’ll find shops, restaurants, and a beach resort. Yes, a beach resort. Because nothing says “landlocked city in Central Asia” like an indoor beach.

Culture

Nur-Sultan is a melting pot of cultures, with a mix of Kazakh, Russian, and other ethnic groups. You can experience this diversity at the National Museum of Kazakhstan, which has exhibits on the country’s history, culture, and natural wonders.

If you want to see some traditional Kazakh art, check out the Museum of Contemporary Art. And if you’re feeling adventurous, head to the Central Asian Bazaar, where you can haggle for spices, textiles, and other goodies.

Conclusion

Nur-Sultan may be a city with an identity crisis, but its quirky history and unique attractions make it a fascinating destination. Whether you’re into futuristic architecture, traditional culture, or just want to touch a giant golden sphere, this city won’t disappoint. Just don’t get too attached to the name - who knows what it’ll be called next.