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 |
| 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 is a famous monument and observation tower. You can find it in Astana, the capital city of Kazakhstan. Its name, "Baiterek," means "tall poplar tree" in Kazakh. This tower is a very popular place for tourists and local people. It has become a special symbol of Astana, especially since the city became the capital in 1997. The tower stands proudly on Nurjol Boulevard. It represents Kazakhstan's journey since gaining independence.
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How the Baiterek Tower Looks
The idea for the Baiterek tower came from Nursultan Nazarbayev. He was the first President of Kazakhstan. The architect who designed it was Akmurza Rustembekov.
The tower is about 105 meters (344 feet) tall. It starts with a wide, flat base. From this base, a thin, round column rises up. White, branch-like beams surround this column. These beams spread out near the top. They hold up a large, golden, shiny ball. This ball is 22 meters (72 feet) wide.
Inside the base, you will find a place to buy tickets. There is also an exhibition area. Two elevators go up inside the tower's main column. They take visitors to the observation deck. You enter the monument by going down stairs from the plaza outside.
The Observation Deck
The main viewing area is 97 meters (318 feet) above the ground. This height is very important. It has two levels for visitors. One level offers amazing 360-degree views of Astana. You can see the whole city and beyond. A short flight of stairs leads to a second, higher level.
On the very top level, there is a special golden handprint. It is the right handprint of Nursultan Nazarbayev. He was the first President of independent Kazakhstan. This handprint is on a fancy stand. A sign invites visitors to put their own hand in the print. People often make a wish when they do this. Next to the handprint, there is a wooden sculpture. It looks like a globe with 16 rays coming out. This sculpture remembers the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions. This important meeting has happened many times in Astana.
What the Baiterek Tower Symbolizes
The Baiterek tower was built to mark a big change. It celebrates the year 1997. That year, the capital city moved from Alma-Ata to Akmola.
The tower tells a story from Kazakh folklore. It represents a mythical tree of life. This tree has a magical bird of happiness. The bird is called Samruk. The story says Samruk laid her egg in the branches of this special tree. The golden ball at the top of Baiterek represents this egg.
The handprint of the president is also full of meaning. It is called "Ayaly alakan," which means "caring hands." It is placed at 97 meters high. This height stands for the year 1997. That was the year Astana became the new capital. This event marked a new beginning for Kazakhstan.
Photo gallery
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The 10,000 Kazakhstani tenge note showing the image of the Bayterek tower
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See also
In Spanish: Bayterek para niños
