Monument Baiterek, Kazakhstan
Monument Baiterek – Astana is an original, majestic, unique monument located in the capital of Kazakhstan, its permanent symbol and long-term visiting card. Translated from the Kazakh language “Baiterek” is a tall, healthy, young tree. It embodies the ideas of prosperity, originality, strengthening the state, its desire for a better future.
Monument Baiterek, History of creation
The idea of erecting an unusual monument came to the head of the leader of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev, in 1997. The incentive was the transfer of the main city from Alma-Ata to Astana. Baiterek was supposed to become a symbol of a new “life” for the country and its people, more dynamic, rich and vibrant. The monument owes its unusual design and location to an old Kazakh legend.
Ancient nomads believed that the Universal River flows at the intersection of the worlds. On the coast of this river grows the Tree of Life – in Kazakh “Baiterek”. The roots of the tree go deep into the earth, their strength is enough to hold the planet.
With its lush crown, it props up the sky. Every year, the sacred bird Samruk flies to Baiterek to lay another egg (the sun). As soon as the bird leaves its nest, the dragon Idahar eats it. Thus in nature there is a change of day and night, seasons, good and evil.
Design features
The Baiterek monument is the brainchild of the famous English architect, the author of another incredible masterpiece in Astana – the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation. Outwardly, it resembles a fragile crystal vase with a huge pearl at the very top. The height of the monument is 105 meters. The ball crowning Baiterek reaches 22 meters in diameter and weighs more than 300 tons.
It is made of unique glass, shimmering in different shades, depending on the sun’s rays. In accordance with the philosophical idea of the structure, the construction consists of three levels. The first level is located underground, at a depth of about four meters. It houses several shops, bars and cafes, as well as a mini-art gallery.
The middle level is the road leading to “heaven”, this part of the structure is made of metal, glass and concrete. A modern elevator runs along it, ready at any moment to deliver visitors to the very top to the gilded “pearl”.
At an altitude of 97 meters, there is a wonderful observation deck from where you can admire the amazing panorama of the city. Inside the ball there is a large panoramic hall and a cozy bar. Today, a lot of cultural events and excursions are held within the “walls” of the monument. The latter can be ordered in three languages - English, Russian and Kazakh.