‘Atameken’ map of Kazakhstan

The “Atameken” ethnographic memorial complex is a truly unique attraction located in the capital of Kazakhstan, Astana (formerly Nur-Sultan). This remarkable park is a miniature replica of the country’s most famous landscapes and architectural landmarks, offering visitors the opportunity to explore Kazakhstan’s iconic sites in just a few short hours. A visit to the “Atameken” Map of Kazakhstan allows guests to quickly familiarize themselves with the key highlights of the nation, leaving a lasting impression in a brief period.

The concept for this extraordinary park originated after a foreign trip by the President of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev. Upon returning, he proposed the idea of creating a similar park, and in 2001, this vision became a reality. The President saw it not only as an intriguing attraction but also as an educational tool for both tourists and locals. Kazakhstan, being the ninth largest country in the world, is home to vast natural beauty and remarkable structures scattered across various regions. It would take years to visit all the country’s key sites, but “Atameken” offers the chance to see a miniature version of them in just a few hours. During a leisurely walk through the park, visitors can note the most memorable places to potentially visit later.

The name “Atameken,” translated from Turkic languages, means “Land of Ancestors.” The park spans approximately two hectares and is located near the city’s circus, Central Park, and amusement park. The map is laid out as an outdoor exhibit on a large lawn, surrounded by well-maintained greenery. Pathways meander through the park, guiding visitors past all the miniature landmarks. The two largest cities, Astana (Nur-Sultan) and Almaty, stand out prominently, and around them, models represent the country’s 14 other regions.

In total, nearly 300 landmarks are displayed on the map, and as the park and the country evolve, more are added. The park also hosts various outdoor events, such as festivals, rallies, and performances on its summer stage. Visitors can explore traditional craft workshops where local artisans create souvenirs available for purchase daily.

Additionally, the complex houses a conference hall designed for educational and youth-focused events, including conferences and roundtable discussions. This hall features an electronic map of Kazakhstan, displaying the country’s landscape, transportation networks, natural resources, minerals, flora, and fauna. The Department of Education frequently collaborates with the park to organize regional history competitions for students, and the top young guides are offered summer positions at the museum.

While some of the models in the “Atameken” map have undergone restoration, evident to the keen eye, others could benefit from additional care, including better landscaping with lush lawns and flowerbeds to enhance the overall experience. However, despite these areas for improvement, “Atameken” remains a popular destination for both children and adults, as the park’s concept is undeniably impressive.

A stroll through this miniature park in Astana (Nur-Sultan) feels like soaring above the country, with models of natural and architectural wonders spread out below. It creates a sense of flying over Kazakhstan’s diverse landscapes.

Both tourists and locals visit “Atameken” to see scaled-down versions of the country’s famous architectural and natural landmarks. Among the replicas are the Caspian Sea with its intricate coastline, the desert region of Kyzylkum, the rugged Alatau mountains, lakes, rivers, the Pyramid of Peace, industrial buildings, the Burabay settlement, and its surroundings, among others.

An indoor exhibit hall showcases the architectural marvels of the capital city. Visitors can see models of the Presidential Residence, the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, stunningly designed mosques, mausoleums, theaters, museums, and other notable structures.

The lower floor of the building is dedicated to historical panoramas depicting key moments in Kazakhstan’s past. Exhibits include a map of the Silk Road and significant scenes from World War II.

Many of the models were designed by a team of architects and designers from the “Atameken” complex, and there are plans to expand the map further. For example, in honor of Astana’s (Nur-Sultan’s) anniversary, miniatures of the Palace of Independence and “Khan Shatyr” were added to the park.

Navigating the vast map can be challenging without a guide. Professional guides lead visitors through the park, explaining the most notable landmarks from each region of Kazakhstan. They provide detailed stories and help guests connect the various sites into a coherent journey across the country’s most intriguing locations.

During the tour, visitors are expected to follow certain rules: touching the models, smoking, littering, or consuming alcohol is prohibited. Guests must stay on the designated pathways.

Unlike many of Astana’s (Nur-Sultan’s) central attractions, “Atameken” is located on the outskirts of the city. Visitors can reach the park by joining a guided tour, taking a bus, or driving by car. For those driving, following signs along the Korgalzhyn Highway will lead directly to the park.

Several bus routes, including numbers 1a, 18, 28, 32, 37, 44, 45, 52, and 70, also provide access to the park, with the closest stop being “Saltanat Sarayi.”