Synagogue in Astana

Over the past few decades, Astana (formerly known as Nur-Sultan) has undergone a remarkable transformation, earning its reputation as the “City of the Future” due to its cutting-edge architecture. However, the capital of Kazakhstan also holds another significant title—UNESCO’s “City of Peace,” awarded in 1999. This recognition stems from the city’s embrace of religious diversity, with around ten places of worship representing various faiths. While the majority of the population practices Islam, Kazakhstan’s constitution defines it as a secular state, ensuring religious freedom and respect for all beliefs. The government actively supports peaceful coexistence among different religious communities. As part of this initiative, the Jewish community was provided with the “Beit Rachel Chabad Lubavitch” Synagogue, which was completed in 2004. From its opening day, this blue-and-white building has been recognized as the largest synagogue in Central Asia.

The Jewish presence in Kazakhstan dates back to the time of Tsar Nicholas I, when Jewish soldiers from the Russian Empire were exiled to distant regions, including Kazakhstan. These soldiers, known as “Nicholas’ soldiers,” were some of the first Jewish settlers in the region. Initially, most of them settled in Verny (modern-day Almaty), but over time, their population expanded to other areas. By 1910, around 154 Jews lived in Akmolinsk, now known as Astana, many of whom were doctors, pharmacists, and business owners.

In the 1920s and 1930s, the Jewish population in Kazakhstan grew, bolstered by the influx of young people participating in the Soviet Union’s five-year plans and by exiles sent to the region. During World War II, many Jews were evacuated from war-torn areas to Kazakhstan, including to Astana, and a large number of them chose to remain after the war to live and work. However, their hardships did not end there. From 1948 to 1953, the Soviet Union’s anti-cosmopolitan campaigns led to the further exile of many Jewish intellectuals to Kazakhstan.

In the 1970s, a wave of repatriation saw many Jews leaving for Israel. Those who did not relocate to their historical homeland often emigrated to the United States, Canada, Australia, and other countries. By the early 1990s, Kazakhstan’s Jewish population had dwindled to approximately 20,000 people. Despite this decline, the Jewish community began to rebuild, establishing cultural centers and places of worship, including synagogues.

Today, the synagogue in Astana serves a community of about 150 Jewish families. “Beit Rachel Chabad Lubavitch” was officially opened in September 2004, following two and a half years of construction. The building covers an area of 5,600 square meters and stands 25 meters tall, including the Star of David that adorns the roof. The construction of the synagogue was entirely funded by the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress.

The opening of “Beit Rachel” was marked by a historic event—the first Torah scroll was brought into the synagogue. This scroll, which was specially signed in Israel, was gifted to the local Jewish community by businessman Mikhail Zaidman.