Astana became the capital of Kazakhstan in 1997. Much of its modern architecture is striking in its scale and design, especially in contrast to the vast, open steppes that surround it.
A city in the steppes —
Astana became the capital of Kazakhstan in 1997. Much of its modern architecture is striking in its scale and design, especially in contrast to the vast, open steppes that surround it.
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The 100-meter-tall tower has been compared to a giant lollipop and is meant to evoke the local legend of the "Tree of Life". It was based on a sketch by President Nursultan Nazarbayev who has been instrumental in the development of Kazakhstan since coming to power in 1991.
Baiterek: Astana's 'Tree of Life' —
The 100-meter-tall tower has been compared to a giant lollipop and is meant to evoke the local legend of the "Tree of Life". It was based on a sketch by President Nursultan Nazarbayev who has been instrumental in the development of Kazakhstan since coming to power in 1991.
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The 60-meter-tall Palace of Peace and Reconciliation was designed by archietcture firm Norman Foster and Partners.
The Palace of Peace —
The 60-meter-tall Palace of Peace and Reconciliation was designed by archietcture firm Norman Foster and Partners.
Inside the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation.
Keeping the 'peace' —
Inside the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation.
Courtesy Foster + Partners
"Nazarbayev used to joke that the building was right in front of his residence, and that the project's construction site - and us, of course - were always under his control," says architect Manfredi Nicoletti who designed the Central Concert Hall.
Central Concert Hall —
"Nazarbayev used to joke that the building was right in front of his residence, and that the project's construction site - and us, of course - were always under his control," says architect Manfredi Nicoletti who designed the Central Concert Hall.
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The Shabyt Palace of Art is the most remarkable part of the Kazakh National University of Arts.
Shabyt Palace of Art —
The Shabyt Palace of Art is the most remarkable part of the Kazakh National University of Arts.
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The presidential palace was designed to resemble the White House in Washington D.C.
Presidential palace —
The presidential palace was designed to resemble the White House in Washington D.C.
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Astana's newest building is the Norman Foster-designed Khan Shatyr, a shopping mall that doubles as the world's largest tent.
The world's largest tent —
Astana's newest building is the Norman Foster-designed Khan Shatyr, a shopping mall that doubles as the world's largest tent.
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