Panfilov Park, Almaty

One of the most picturesque areas of Almaty is the Park of the 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, covering more than 18 hectares. Many post-Soviet cities in Central Asia have parks named in honor of the famous 316th Rifle Division led by Major General Panfilov, or more specifically, the 28 Panfilov Guardsmen.

Panfilov commanded the 316th Rifle Division, which was composed primarily of Kazakh and Kyrgyz soldiers during the defense of Moscow in 1941. The Panfilov division perished in battle during World War II. You can see a monument dedicated to these soldiers in the center of the park. It was erected in 1975 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the victory in World War II.

The park, however, existed long before the events for which it is now named. In the 1870s, the site was originally a cemetery, which was later removed, and a park was created in its place. Over time, the park’s name has changed several times. It was initially called the “Old Cemetery Park,” then the “City Park.” From 1899 to 1919, it was known as “Pushkin Garden.” Later, it became the “Park of Fallen Fighters,” then the “Local Lenin Park,” the “Gubkompomarma Garden,” the “Public Park of May 1st,” and from 1927, the “Park of the Federation of Soviet Republics.” It wasn’t until 1942 that the park received its current name, “Park of the 28 Panfilov Guardsmen.”

The park has undergone multiple reconstructions. In 1982, three objects within the park were included in the registry of historical and cultural monuments of national significance. These include the Ascension Cathedral, the Memorial of Glory, and the Museum of National Instruments.

In addition to these, the park features other notable architectural landmarks. At the entrance, you will find a statue of General Ivan Vasilyevich Panfilov, installed in 1968. There is also an eternal flame that burns in memory of those who perished during World War II. Local residents bring flowers here year-round. The park is very scenic, with a variety of trees such as maples, aspens, oaks, birches, and firs, providing many shaded spots for relaxation.

The Park of the 28 Panfilov Guardsmen is home to several monuments and significant buildings that hold special meaning for the city:

• Ascension Cathedral: This wooden masterpiece, belonging to the Russian Orthodox Church, is located in the heart of the park. It is a unique structure, celebrated for its seismic resilience.

• The Officers’ House: Positioned at the park’s eastern entrance, it offers a passage leading to the Eternal Flame of the Memorial of Glory.

• Museum of National Musical Instruments: Built in 1908, the museum houses a collection of over 1,000 items.

• Memorial of Glory: Opened on May 8, 1975, for the 30th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, the central part of the memorial, titled “Heroic Feat,” depicts soldiers standing firm in defense of Moscow. To the left is “The Oath,” a sculpture dedicated to young fighters for Soviet power in Kazakhstan, and to the right is “Victory Trumpeters,” symbolizing triumph and life. Eternal Flame burns next to the memorial, with capsules of earth from the hero cities buried beneath. The memorial is a protected monument of art, history, and architecture.

• Monument to Ivan Panfilov: Located in the southern part of the park, this bronze bust of the Hero of the Soviet Union was installed in 1968. The statue stands on a two-meter granite pedestal, marking the beginning of the Heroes’ Alley, which stretches across the park. Along the alley, granite pillars bear the names of the 28 Panfilov Guardsmen.

• Monument to Tokash Bokin: This five-meter granite bust of the Soviet revolutionary, featuring a dynamic portrayal, was erected in 1980 in the park’s western section.

• Monument to Kazakh Soldiers Fallen in Afghanistan: Situated near the Memorial of Glory, this monument was unveiled on February 15, 2003, to commemorate the 14th anniversary of the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan. It depicts three bronze soldiers standing on a granite pedestal above four slabs symbolizing gravestones. Inscribed on the slabs are the names of 69 Almaty residents who never returned home from the Afghan war. Completing the composition are a soldier’s helmet and a laurel branch at the base of the monument.

• Monument to Baurzhan Momyshuly: This statue of the renowned writer and World War II hero was installed on December 10, 2010, in the northern part of the park. The monument depicts him in full height atop a granite pedestal, celebrating his contributions to both literature and the defense of his country.