BAITEREK

This 97-metre-high monument, built in 1997, looks vaguely like a giant soccer World Cup trophy. In reality, the yellow ball is meant to pay homage to the legendary Samruk, a mythical phoenix-like bird believed to exist only in Kazakhstan and to lay golden eggs. It has become the symbol of Astana and the country. "This monument, a gift from the President to the city, is a perfect example of Astana's new architecture", reads the explanatory panel at the entrance to the monument... The monument itself is not of dazzling interest (sorry for the symbol of Astana's architecture!), but it does offer an impressive view of the capital and its great architectural achievements. At the far end of the perspective, you can admire the new presidential palace, identifiable by its white monumentality topped by a blue dome. Closer to the monument, the concreted shell on the square is intended to house the city's archives. To the west, the great white structure of Khan Shatyr is superb at the end of the day, when the sunset turns it a pale pink. Finally, you must climb to the top of Baiterek, if only to observe the spectacle of Kazakhs taking photos of each other... The President's hand, cast in a block of metal, is the highlight of the visit, with all Kazakhs elbowing to place their hand in the imprint of the new Father of the People!