Almaty Region facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Almaty Region
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Region
|
|||
 |
|||
|
|||
Map of Kazakhstan, location of Almaty Region highlighted
|
|||
| Country | Kazakhstan | ||
| Capital | Kunayev | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 105,411 km2 (40,699 sq mi) | ||
| Population | |||
| • Total | 2,059,200 | ||
| • Density | 19.5350/km2 (50.5953/sq mi) | ||
| Time zone | UTC+6 (East) | ||
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+6 (not observed) | ||
| Postal codes |
040000
|
||
| Area codes | +7 (7272), +7 (7282) | ||
| ISO 3166 code | KZ-ALM | ||
| Vehicle registration | 05, B | ||
| Districts | 17 | ||
| Cities | 3 | ||
| Townships | 15 | ||
| Villages | 769 | ||
The Almaty Region (known as Almaty oblysy in Kazakh and Almatinskaya oblast in Russian) is a large area in the southeastern part of Kazakhstan. It's like a state or province within the country. From 1997 to 2022, its capital city was Taldykorgan. However, in 2022, a new region called Jetisu Region was created. Taldykorgan became the capital of this new region. So, the capital of Almaty Region moved to the city of Kunayev.
Contents
Geography of Almaty Region
The Almaty Region completely surrounds the city of Almaty, which is a very important city in Kazakhstan. This region shares borders with two other countries: Kyrgyzstan and Xinjiang in China. It also touches three other regions inside Kazakhstan: Jambyl Region to the west, Karaganda Region to the northwest, and East Kazakhstan Region to the north. The Almaty Region covers a huge area of about 105,411 square kilometers.
A big part of the region's northwestern border runs along Lake Balkhash. The main river flowing into this lake is the Ili River, which is the most important river in the region. In the northeast, Almaty Region shares four lakes with the East Kazakhstan Region. These are Alakol, Sasykkol, Koshkarkol, and Zhalanashkol. Other beautiful lakes in the region include Bartogay Lake, Kapshagay lakes, Lake Issyk, Kaindy, and Kolsai lakes.
The Tian Shan Mountains have a branch called the Trans-Ili Alatau. These mountains stretch from China and Kyrgyzstan into the Almaty Region, forming its southern border with Kyrgyzstan. Further northeast, the Dzungarian Alatau mountains run along the region's border with China. One of the most famous natural attractions in the region is the amazing Charyn Canyon.
History of Almaty Region
The Almaty Region we know today was first created on March 10, 1932. Back then, it was called the Alma-Ata Region. Its capital was the city of Alma-Ata (now Almaty). During the Soviet era, the northeastern part of the region, around Taldykorgan, was sometimes separated to form its own region called Taldy-Kurgan Region. But then, it would be merged back into Alma-Ata Region a few years later.
In April 2001, the main office of the Almaty Region moved from Almaty city to Taldykorgan. This made Taldykorgan a regional capital again, but this time the region wasn't split. The Almaty Region was officially formed on March 10, 1932, with Almaty city as its center. It started with 18 districts. By the end of 1939, some districts were moved to other regions, leaving 23 districts in Alma-Ata region. In March 1944, the Taldy-Kurgan Region was created from its structure, taking 11 districts.
Leaders of the Region
The Almaty Region has had many leaders, known as Akims. Here are some of them:
- Baiken Ashymov (1968—1970)
- Bimende Sadvokasov (1970—1972)
- Aripbay Alybaev (1972—1978)
- Sakan Kussainov (1978—1982)
- Abubakir Tynynybaev (1982—1986)
- Vladislav Anufriev (1986—1988)
- Anatoly Zhigulin (1988—1990)
- Saginbek Tursunov (1990—1993)
- Umirzak Uzbekov (1994-1996)
- Serik Ahimbekov (1996—1997)
- Zamanbek Nurkadilov (December 1997 - May 2001)
- Shalbai Kulmakhanov (May 2001 - August 11, 2005)
- Serik Umbetov (2005-2011)
- Anzar Musakhanov (April 13, 2011 to August 20, 2014)
- Amandyk Batalov (from August 20, 2014)
Awards for the Region
The Alma-Ata region received special awards for its achievements:
- On October 28, 1966, it was given the Order of Lenin. This was for doing a great job in growing and providing grain, meat, milk, and other farm products.
- On December 3, 1970, it received a second Order of Lenin. This was for the big successes achieved by the people in the region in meeting their goals for developing industry and farming.
Administrative Divisions
The Almaty Region is divided into seventeen districts. It also includes three important cities: Konaev, Taldykorgan, and Tekeli. Each district has its own administrative center. For example, Aksu District's center is Zhansugirov, and Ile District's center is Otegen Batyr.
Climate
The Almaty Region has a very diverse climate, with five different zones. These range from hot deserts to areas with permanent snow. The climate is very continental, meaning there are big differences between summer and winter temperatures.
- In January, the average temperature in the lowlands is about -15°C (5°F). In the foothills, it's a bit warmer, around -6°C to -8°C (18-21°F).
- In July, the average temperature is +16°C (61°F) in the lowlands and +24°C to +25°C (75-77°F) in the foothills.
- The amount of rain and snow (rainfall) varies too. Plains get up to 300 millimeters (12 inches) per year. Foothills and mountains get much more, from 500-700 millimeters (20-28 inches) to even 1000 millimeters (39 inches) per year.
People and Ethnic Groups
As of 2020, the Almaty Region has a population of about 2,055,724 people. The region is home to many different ethnic groups, making it a diverse place.
- The largest group is Kazakh, making up about 72.32% of the population.
- Russian people are the second largest group, at about 13.12%.
- Uyghur people make up about 7.74%.
- Other groups include Turkish (1.84%), Azerbaijani (0.86%), and many others (4.12%).
It's important to know that these numbers do not include the city of Almaty itself. The city of Almaty is managed separately from the Almaty Region.
Sights to See
The Almaty Region has many beautiful places to visit, especially its mountain areas. In 2021, the mountains of Almaty Region were chosen as one of the top 10 places to visit in Kazakhstan! Other popular sights include:
- Lake Alakol - a special lake known for its healing properties.
- Burkhan Bulak - the highest waterfall in the region.
- Altynemel - a national park, great for nature lovers.
- Besqaynar - ski resorts located high up in the mountains, about 1500 meters above sea level.
- Kolsay and Kaindy lakes - stunning mountain lakes.
- Khan Taniry - a very tall and impressive mountain peak.
- Balkhash - a city near the large Lake Balkhash.
- Tamgaly - a World Heritage Site famous for its ancient rock carvings (petroglyphs).
- Charyn Canyon - a spectacular canyon located within Charyn National Park.
- Talgar - a region where the ancient Issyk kurgan (burial mound) is found.
- Medeo - one of the most famous outdoor ice rinks in the world.
- Dostyk - a border crossing point between China and Kazakhstan.
- Kapchagay Dam on the Ili River.
In 2021, the tourism department announced plans to build 15 small huts in the Almaty mountain area. These huts will offer shelter for tourists and will have Wi-Fi, charging stations, and first-aid kits. They will be located in various beautiful gorges like Talgar, Kimasar, and Big Almaty.
Culture
The Almaty Region has a rich culture with several important institutions:
- Taldykorgan Drama Theatre named after B.Rimova
This theatre opened on November 4, 1975. It was named after Biken Rimova, a famous Kazakh artist. The theatre moved to a new building on October 30, 2018.
- «Museum of Applied Arts named after Master Darkembay»
This museum covers an area of 3.0 hectares and has 6 exhibition halls. It displays 2437 items of applied arts. You can find it in Akshi village, Enbekshikazakh district.
- Museum «Batyr babalar» (Heroic Ancestors)
This museum was built in 2016 and opened in 2017. It celebrates the heroic ancestors of Kazakhstan.
- Ilyas Zhansugurov Literary Museum
Opened in 1984, this museum is dedicated to the life and works of the poet I. Zhansugurov. The museum building itself is old, built between 1905 and 1907. It has 6407 exhibits and is protected as an example of 19th-century architecture.
- Museum of Victims of Political Repression
This museum was built in 2018. It tells the story of people who suffered from political repression in Kazakhstan from 1916 to 1986. It has departments focusing on the history of repression and the memory of victims.
- Museum «Respect for Mother»
Opened in 2015, this museum has two main halls. One hall shows crafts and jewelry, and the other honors "Mother heroines."
- «Abylkhan Kasteev Fine Art Gallery»
This gallery was created in 2004 to celebrate the 100th birthday of national artist Abylkhan Kasteev. It has 9 rooms and displays 166 art pieces. You can visit it in Zharkent, Panfilovsky district.
- «Gallery of Fine Art»
Founded in 2003, this gallery has 10 exhibition halls and displays 404 art pieces. It focuses on research, collecting, displaying, and educating about art. It is located in Taldykorgan.
- PUI «Historical and Cultural Center «Atameken» of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan-Elbasy»
This center opened on December 1, 2017. It has exhibits that tell the story of Kazakhstan's First President, Nursultan Nazarbayev, from his childhood to his leadership of independent Kazakhstan. It has 4 exhibition halls and a conference room.
See also
In Spanish: Provincia de Almatý para niños
