Baiterek (monument) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Baiterek tower |
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Baiterek Tower
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| Alternative names | Bayterek |
| General information | |
| Status | Complete |
| Type | Monument, observation tower |
| Location | Astana, Kazakhstan |
| Coordinates | 51°07′42″N 71°25′50″E / 51.12833°N 71.43056°E |
| Construction started | October 25, 1996 |
| Completed | August 30, 2002 |
| Renovated | 2017 |
| Height | |
| Antenna spire | 105 m (344 ft) |
| Top floor | 97 m (318 ft) |
The Baiterek Tower (Kazakh: Бәйтерек, romanized: Bäiterek), which means "tall poplar tree," is a famous monument and observation tower. You can find it in Astana, the capital city of Kazakhstan. It's a very popular place for both people visiting from other countries and Kazakhs. The tower is a big symbol of Astana, which became the country's capital in 1997. Located on Nurjol Boulevard, Baiterek represents Kazakhstan's journey after gaining independence.
Contents
Discover the Baiterek Tower in Astana
How the Baiterek Tower Was Designed
The idea for the Baiterek Tower came from Nursultan Nazarbayev, who was the first President of Kazakhstan. The architect who designed this amazing building was Akmurza Rustembekov.
The tower stands 105 meters (about 344 feet) tall. It starts from a wide, flat base in a raised area. The main part of the tower is a narrow, round column. White, branch-like supports surround this column. These supports spread out near the top, holding up a large, golden, mirrored ball that is 22 meters (about 72 feet) wide.
The bottom part of the tower has a place to buy tickets and an exhibition area. Inside the tall column, two lifts take visitors up to the viewing platform. You enter the monument by going down stairs from the surrounding plaza.
What You See Inside the Tower
The main viewing platform is 97 meters (about 318 feet) above the ground. It has two levels. The first level offers amazing 360-degree views of Astana and the areas around it. A short flight of stairs leads to a second, slightly higher level.
On this top level, you'll find a special golden handprint. It's the right handprint of Nursultan Nazarbayev, Kazakhstan's first independent President. This handprint is set on a fancy stand. A sign invites visitors to place their own hand in the print and make a wish. Next to the handprint, and pointing towards the presidential palace, is a wooden sculpture. It shows a globe with 16 rays, remembering the important meetings of religious leaders called the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, which happened several times in Astana.
The Story Behind Baiterek's Symbolism
The Baiterek Tower was built to symbolize the big change when the capital moved from Almaty to Astana in 1997.
The monument is meant to represent an old folktale. This story is about a legendary tree of life and a magical bird of happiness. The bird, named Simurgh, laid her egg safely between two branches of this special tree.
The meaning of "Baiterek" as a symbol of a new time for the Kazakh people is highlighted by an art piece. This piece is called "Ayaly alakan," which means "caring hands." It features the president's right handprint, located 97 meters up. This height symbolizes the year 1997. That was the year Astana became the new capital, marking a new beginning in the country's history.
Photo Gallery of Baiterek
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The 10,000 Kazakhstani tenge banknote showing the image of the Bayterek tower
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View from the top floor of Bayterek
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See also
In Spanish: Bayterek para niños
External Links
- Bayterek Tower from "Abasayyoh"
